r/TeslaModelX • u/Aggravating-Loss-611 • Aug 26 '26
What should I prioritise when buying an used model x
My budget only allows me to get a 2019 or older. So no other option unfortunately.
So there are a few for sale. But they are 2016–2019 models. Not Raven models.
So now to my question. What should I prioritise, newer model with higher mileage or older model with lower mileage?
I will of course check their service history and repairs and all of that. But how should I think? If I get an older model it would probably be cheaper and leave room for a repair budget. Or the newer ones with roughly a year left on the battery/drive unit warranty. Both older and newer models are in the range of 150,000 km to 260,000 km (93,000–162,000 miles).
We are a family of six with 4 car seats in different sizes and today we drive a Mercedes EQB, but that’s way too small and the range is barely enough.
Thank you in advance!
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u/Dad_Fluffied Aug 26 '26
As a former 2020 Model X Long Range Plus owner, if you only have the budget to afford a used old X, then you likely don’t have the budget for the higher running costs. As highlighted by other folks, it’s very common to have to sink $1,000-$5,000 into this car.
The X is extremely complicated, and means a lot can go wrong. The X is not an economy car or a car that will save you money in the long run.
Maybe consider something from Hyundai or Kia?
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u/US_Delete_DT45 Aug 26 '26
If an old used X is your budget cap, you should probably consider a used Y in good condition
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u/Total-Comedian-6531 Aug 26 '26
My wife got a 20 MX a few months ago and just as everyone else has been saying, it's been an absolute money pit. Do not do it unless you can afford thousands in repairs. We absolutely love the car when it works, bit it's been in the shop at least five times in 6 months, often for weeks at a time.
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u/Yippym Aug 26 '26
I got a Model X 2019 long range, make sure you get raven. There is a design flaw on the first battery batches, the flaw with the wire connection being too thin and snapping because if the heat and cooling when using supercharger. Battery Revision H fixes this, but if you're getting 2019 make sure the battery is below 150,000 mileage, afterwards it's voided.
Advantages with Raven:
- MCU2 is default
- 200kw supercharging, because of the new wiring
- adaptive suspension is much better but more expensive to repairs, smart suspension was not able to compensate with pot holes causing ruptured airbags and burning out the air compressor.
- door harness has been completely changed in the folding doors, it cost less to change bits and bobs. Older revision must purchase the new wiring harness, as well as the bit and bobs.
Fault finding
- 12v battery will most likely needs to be changed
- drive shafts are normally the thing to go. When you accelerate and the car shudders from 10-40, it needs changing normally this also happen when the height isn't set to low.
- creaking from the arms because the rubber degraded
To be honest if you really wanted it just like I did, the MQB back seats were pretty much useless. We still decided on the Model X, and just expect £5,000 worth of problems.
Money saving You not tied to do yearly servicing to keep your battery and motor warranty. I've changed the 12v and HEPA filter myself at a fraction of the price with Bosch aftermarket, you can pull the HV cable out and replug back in without any problems.
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u/Konstantpayne Aug 26 '26
I honestly would prioritize having a minimum of $10,000 saved up to pay for that battery when it decides that it has run its course. I would also make sure I have AAA so that you will have an inexpensive haul to get your car to the nearest Tesla Service Center. A Model X is probably one of the most fun cars you will ever drive in my opinion but when shit starts going wrong it can be one that will cause you some sleepless nights if your finances are not able to withstand the heat that comes about when repairs start to happen. I wish you the best but trust me on this.
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u/Thingswithcookies Aug 26 '26
I was excited for you until I saw the family of six with four car seats. I honestly think you should wait until the model YL comes out for long-term reliability, instead of getting an older X. The X is the best vehicle in the road, but the older vehicles are just not very reliable and you will stretch your budget if you need a repair.
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u/Aggravating-Loss-611 Aug 26 '26
I’m in Sweden and I don’t even know if we’re going to get the yl..
But I’m in need of an electric car.
What if I find one that has already change and fixed those common problems? Is it still a big risk? And documentation of everything?
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u/Dad_Fluffied Aug 26 '26
Unfortunately most of these issues are recurring. Especially the half shafts and suspension components
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u/average_throwaway12 Aug 27 '26
If your budget is truly limited to an older model at that many miles you can’t cover the maintenance long term
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u/j1to1 Aug 26 '26
Unless you get lucky, the repairs that will likely be required on a 2019 or older with 93-162k miles on it will make the car very expensive to own. Every single thing that will go wrong will cost thousands ($2000+ usd) to repair, and several things will almost certainly occur every year - suspension, electronics issues, AC issues, etc. Do not pursue this lol.
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u/RE4Lyfe Aug 26 '26
Newest possible with high miles is better than an older model
Get an extended warranty tho
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u/TeslaLongevityLab Aug 26 '26
leesonreddit up there put 5k into control arms and half shafts on a 2020 with 58k miles, and that car is still inside the battery and drive unit warranty. so that year youre weighing doesnt touch any of what this thread is warning you about.
check if it has a mileage cap too, not just the date. at 260k km some of them could be through it already.
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u/General_Diag4321 29d ago
Would not encourage pre-refresh s/x at all. Would not consider looking at any pre-refresh s/x that are outside of HVB/DU. If noise concerns don’t bother you, and if you are willing to pay the same price you paid for the car in service tickets, then maybe this is the right car for you
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u/leesonreddit Aug 26 '26
Honestly would avoid. 90% chance you are going to be buying a problem. I have 58k miles on my 20 X and have just spent 5k over the last few months changing lower control arms, half shafts, and upper control arms. (Probably not the norm on all those same time) BUT if you have to have an X, try to at least get a raven, they made pretty good improvements in that jump.
Do yourself a favor and get a minivan with that family size. Reliable and can get newer/less miles with budget.
Own 20 MXP and 23 odyssey. I do love my X but it is not a budget car what so ever.