You can buy a used Tesla Model Y today for under $50,000 [Update]

Update: ‘Why buy used?’ and ‘What are your options’ sections updated.

Launched in March 2020, the Tesla Model Y ranked #1 in America’s new electric vehicle sales charts in 2021. Globally, too, it is among the best-selling new EVs. The Model Y is a highly sought-after EV in the used car market, but not one that’s easily available. We’ve sighted some listings of what appear to be good condition Model Ys with low mileage going for as low as around $45,000.

Why buy used?

Source: Cleanerwatt/Youtube

The Tesla Model Y is available as new directly through the manufacturer, so why buy used? Simple. The Model Y is nearly just as accessible as it originally was. At the launch, it was priced at $52,990 in the Long Range AWD and $60,990 in the Performance variant. Now, it retails at $54,990 and $58,990, respectively.

The problem with ordering a new Tesla Model Y is that there’s a long waiting period involved if you’re going for the Long Range variant. The official online configurator shows April-June 2023 as the estimated delivery date for new orders. The Performance variant is available as early as March 2023, though.

Prices of used Tesla EVs have dropped significantly since July 2022, to $49,697 (Model Y: $54,930) as per a report Electrek published on January 25, 2023. Tesla slashed the prices of the Model Y in January 2023, so used Model Ys should be cheaper in the coming months.

What are your options?

Used Tesla Model Y units aren’t available in big numbers like gas-powered crossovers and SUVs. Spotting a decent option (that doesn’t ask for the moon) from the limited lot isn’t going to be easy, but you can use aggregators like Edmunds and TrueCar to ease the process. Most listings are for the Long Range AWD variant, which seems to be more popular than the Performance variant in the U.S.

We found a 2020 Model Y Long Range AWD used for just 19,441 miles listed on sale at Ewing, New Jersey-based J&S Autohaus going for just USD 43,500 through Edmunds. The description states it’s a single-owned, accident-free, and personal-use unit with a clean title. Lakewood, Colorado-based Stevinson Toyota West has a 2021 Model Y Long Range AWD used for only 12,805 miles and all the above basic parameters checked, going for just USD 45,498, also available through Edmunds.

Tesla Model Y at a glance

For those of you considering buying a new Tesla Model Y, here are the basic details. The 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD is available in 5- and 7-seat versions. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 135 mph. The EPA-est. driving range is 330 miles. The 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance is a strict five-seater. It takes just 3.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint and can keep going further to 155 mph. It has a slightly lower EPA-est. range of 303 miles. Both variants support DC fast-charging at up to 250 kW.

Future Tesla cars: Launches expected between 2023 & 2027

Featured image: Tesla