Used Teslas are turning heads across the Gulf, promising high tech features and electric thrills at a lower price. But with batteries, software, and the fine print around perks like free charging, is buying a used Tesla really a win for UAE drivers, or could it come with surprises down the road?
One of the biggest selling points of a used Tesla is that it often feels much newer than its age suggests. Thanks to Tesla’s regular over the air software updates, older models keep gaining new features, smarter navigation, and even improvements to range and driving assistance. For UAE buyers, this means even a 2016 model can still feel current inside and out. Electric cars like Tesla also have fewer moving parts, which usually leads to lower running costs and less hassle over time.
The battery is the biggest wild card with any used electric car. Most Teslas come with an eight year battery warranty, but a used car could be near the end of this period. Studies show Tesla batteries lose about 10 to 15 percent of their range after 240,000 to 320,000 kilometers, which is usually fine for city drivers but may worry long distance commuters—especially where charging stations are rare. Some older Model S and Model X cars used to come with free lifetime Supercharging, but this perk does not always transfer to new owners. Always check in the car settings or Tesla app to be sure, rather than just trusting the ad.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.