Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

• Verify the VIN matches Check the dashboard VIN against the title and registration. Also against Tesla's app if seller signs in. Any mismatch = walk away.
• Clean title (no salvage/rebuilt) Salvage title affects Supercharger access and insurance. Run the VIN on vehiclehistory.gov (NMVTIS) — most authoritative.
• Carfax / AutoCheck report Look for: accidents, flood damage, lien holders, mileage discrepancies, number of owners.
• NHTSA recall check completed Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls, enter the VIN. All open recalls should be performed before you take delivery.
• Tesla App access verified Have seller log into Tesla app and show: software version, FSD/AP package, Premium Connectivity status, charging history.
• FSD/AP transfer policy understood FSD purchased on the car typically transfers with the car. Subscription FSD does NOT transfer. Verify on Tesla's account page.
• Premium Connectivity status Pre-Feb 2022 cars often had free Premium Connectivity for life — non-transferable. Verify what you'll get post-sale.
• Free Supercharging status Some pre-2017 Model S/X have lifetime free Supercharging. Some referrals also granted FSC. Verify and confirm transferability.
• Loan payoff / lien release plan If seller has a loan, the title is held by the lender. Coordinate payoff before money changes hands.
• Service history pulled from Tesla Seller can call Tesla and request the service history print. Look for drive unit replacements, battery work, body shop visits.

• Hardware Version (Autopilot computer) Touch the Tesla T → Service → check "Hardware". HW2.5 = no FSD without retrofit. HW3 = current. HW4 / AI4 = newest.
• MCU Version (touchscreen computer) Same menu. MCU1 = Intel Atom, known eMMC failures, slow. MCU2 = Intel, reliable. MCU3 = AMD Ryzen, fastest.
• Current software version Tesla T → Software. Should be a recent build. If it's months out of date, the car may have OTA reception issues.
• All cameras functional Controls → Autopilot → Camera. Verify front, rear, repeater (fender), B-pillar, and side cameras all show image. Look for moisture inside lens.
• Touchscreen — no yellow border A yellow tint around the screen edge is UV damage on pre-MCU2 cars. Tesla replaces under certain conditions but not for all owners.
• Touchscreen — responsive, no ghost touches Tap each corner. Watch for unresponsive spots. Ghost touches (taps registering where there's no finger) are an eMMC indicator.
• Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity work Connect to a hotspot. Verify the car downloads software updates. LTE/4G modem on older cars sometimes fails — fix is expensive.

• Ask seller to fully charge to 100% before viewing Or as close to 100% as practical. Note: doing this once for the inspection is fine; not a battery damage risk.
• Verify projected range at 100% Compare against the EPA original. 2021 Model Y LR was 326 mi EPA. A used car showing 280 mi at 100% has ~14% degradation — normal for 50k miles, concerning for 20k.
• 12V battery age Service menu shows installation date. 12V batteries fail ~3-4 years; replacement is $200-300. If it's over 3 years old, factor that in.
• Charging history Tesla app shows total kWh charged. Heavy DC fast charging accelerates degradation. >50% Supercharging is a yellow flag.
• No battery warnings on dashboard Yellow "Battery may need service" or red "Battery requires service" = walk away. Battery replacement is $15-22k out of warranty.
• Battery warranty status 8 years / 120-150k miles depending on model. Coverage requires under 30% degradation. Tesla portal shows remaining coverage.

• Paint — consistent color across panels Mismatched paint between adjacent panels = bodyshop repair. Hood, fenders, doors should all be the same shade in same light.
• Panel gaps even on all sides Tesla early-build cars are notorious for uneven gaps. Door-to-fender gap should be uniform. Trunk-to-quarter-panel too.
• No paint chips or scratches deeper than clear coat Surface scratches are normal. Deep scratches into the metal indicate impact or rough handling.
• Frunk hood alignment Hood should close flush with fenders. Tesla recall 2021-005 addressed misalignment on early Model Y.
• Trunk operation Open and close, including from key. Listen for grinding from the power trunk motor. Watch alignment when closing.
• Charge port flap opens smoothly Press the button on the charge cable or open from the touchscreen. Should swing open without sticking. Check for moisture inside.
• Charge port LED illuminates correctly Should glow white when the port opens, green when charging, amber if there's a fault.
• Door handles — extend/retract smoothly (Model S/X) Test each door handle 2-3 times. Listen for grinding. Common Model S/X failure point.
• Falcon wing doors (Model X) Open and close each door slowly. Watch for hesitation or alignment issues. Test with bicycle close to door (proximity sensors).
• Headlights, taillights, all turn signals work Including DRL, high beams, fog lights if equipped. Check for moisture inside lens (housing seal failure).
• Glass roof — no cracks, scorching, or distortion Look for "starburst" patterns from rocks, edge cracks, or hazy spots. Glass roof replacement is $1,500-3,000.
• Side mirrors fold in/out Manually and via the touchscreen. Common failure point.
• Tires — tread depth and even wear Use a penny: head goes into tread to the top of Lincoln's head minimum. Uneven wear = alignment/suspension issue. Tesla tires are EXPENSIVE — $250-400 each.
• No suspension sag Car should sit level. Air suspension cars (S/X) should not lean or sit lower on one side.
• Brakes — pad thickness, rotor surface EVs use regenerative braking so brake wear is slow but not zero. Look through wheels at rotor surface — should be smooth, no deep grooves.

• All seats adjust through full range Power forward/back, recline, lumbar, height. Memory seats: set and recall a position.
• Seat heaters work (all positions) Test each seat heater on max for 30 seconds. Both front + rear if equipped. Common failure on older Model S/X.
• Steering wheel heated (if equipped) Heated wheel was added incrementally — 2021+ Model Y, optional on earlier years.
• Headliner — no sagging or stains Common issue on Model 3 and Model S. Sagging often starts near the rear glass roof seal.
• Premium audio sounds clean (all speakers) Cycle through stereo, surround, and immersive sound. Listen for blown speakers, especially the door-mounted ones.
• Microphone clear (call quality) Make a test call. Voice should be clear, no excessive echo or crackle.
• All USB ports work Phone charging + data port for Sentry Mode/Dashcam storage.
• Wireless phone charging pad (if equipped) Place phone on it, verify charging icon appears.
• HVAC — cold AC, hot heat, all vents flow Switch through all modes. Check each vent for airflow. Listen for compressor cycling.
• Defroster — front and rear Engage defrost mode. Rear defroster element should warm visibly in 1-2 minutes.
• Windshield wipers + washer fluid Cycle wipers through all speeds. Spray washer fluid — confirm pumps work and nozzles aren't clogged.
• Rear seat folds and latches Fold each section, raise it back. Confirm it locks securely. Especially important on Model Y 7-seater.
• Frunk light, trunk light, cabin lights All should illuminate when opened. LED bulb failure is rare but possible.
• Sun visors with mirror Both sides. Mirror lights if equipped.
• Glove box opens via touchscreen Tesla glove boxes have no physical latch — they open from Controls. Verify the actuator works.

• No warning lights at startup All indicators clear within a few seconds of "ready to drive". Yellow or red persistent warnings = walk away or negotiate hard.
• Smooth acceleration from stop No jerking, no whine, no unusual vibration. Tesla drive units are usually buttery smooth.
• Regenerative braking feels normal Lift off accelerator at speed — car should decelerate smoothly. Loud whine or pulsing suggests drive unit issue.
• Hard acceleration — no faults triggered On safe road, full throttle for 2-3 seconds. Should accelerate effortlessly. Check for "Reduced power" warnings.
• Hard braking — straight, no pull From 40mph to 0 on dry pavement. Car should stop straight, no shaking from warped rotors.
• Steering centered, no pull On a flat road, hands light on the wheel. The car should track straight.
• No clunks over bumps Drive over speed bumps and rough pavement. Suspension should be quiet. Clunks suggest bushings, ball joints, or struts.
• Autopilot engages on highway Pull stalk down twice (or use stalkless engagement). Car should accept Autosteer. Verify it follows lane lines, maintains speed.
• Traffic-aware Cruise Control responsive Follow another car at distance. Verify Tesla matches speed without sudden braking or "phantom braking" episodes.
• Parking sensors functional (if equipped) Pre-2023 has USS — slow approach to a wall should trigger beeping. Post-2023 has Vision-only — should show distances on the screen.
• Rearview camera clear Engage reverse. Image should be sharp. Cracked or moisture-affected lenses are common.
• Dashcam recording works Verify USB storage mounted and dashcam is recording. Settings → Safety → Dashcam.
• Charging works at home/Supercharger If possible, plug into a charger during the inspection. Should establish connection and start charging within 30 seconds.

If you find issues — negotiate or walk

Use this list as leverage. Document everything with photos. Estimate repair costs from Tesla parts catalog or owner forums, and reduce your offer accordingly. Common cost guides:

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