More than two million vehicles are analyzed every year by iSeeCars to identify the best used cars for the money in many different segments. A study by iSeeCars specifically examined five- and 10-year-old used cars to determine which ones are the best options for buyers. These cars are likely much less expensive than their newer counterparts, with upwards of 100,000 miles realistically left to give owners. 

Due to the more recent expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market, two vehicles were highlighted as the best used options: the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. Each was examined for average price, remaining lifespan, and potential total lifespan. Here’s what you need to know about a used Tesla Model S: 

How much does a 10-year-old used Tesla Model S cost?

Compared to all the 10-year-old EVs that iSeeCars analyzed, the Tesla Model S is pretty pricey. The average price for a 10-year-old Model S is $35,612, compared to $13,636 for the average in the EV segment. The other standout EV, the Nissan Leaf, is a modest $9,196. That’s also nearly double the average of the top nine best used hybrids iSeeCars analyzed; only the Porsche Cayenne ($21,364) was more than $20,000.

Looking beyond the EV and hybrid model lists, a used Tesla Model S is even more expensive. It’s the only used vehicle on any list with an average price above $30,000. The Toyota Avalon — included in the list of best five-year-old used cars for the money — is the only vehicle mentioned in the study with an average price above $25,000, with an average of $26,104. If you want a used Tesla Model S, be prepared to pay more than almost any other 10-year-old vehicle.

How many more miles can it go?

The iSeeCars analysis shows that a 10-year-old used Tesla Model S has about 55,025 miles of lifespan remaining, or roughly 41.1% of its average total. That means if you buy one at the average price, you’ll likely be paying about $647 per 1,000 miles of the remaining lifespan. 

Like with the average price, that is a steep figure. The remaining lifespan is more than the Nissan Leaf (43,811 miles) but less than the average for 10-year-old EVs (61,021 miles). That price per 1,000 miles of lifespan remaining is also very high. It’s almost triple the average for 10-year-old EVs ($223). The next-closest figure on any iSeeCars best used vehicle list from this study is the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, again at $494. 

Is the Tesla Model S reliable?

A used Tesla Model S is a reliable option for an EV. Data from CarComplaints shows very few complaints since tracking began in 2012. The most complaints came for the 2013 model when nine problems were reported. 

However, Consumer Reports gives both the Model S and the Model Y bad reliability scores for the 2022 models. There are also five recalls listed for 10-year-old Tesla Model S vehicles from the National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA). They include problems with the parking brake releasing or fully applying, corrosion causing a loss of power steering assist, front seat belts incorrectly securing, passenger air bag inflators rupturing, and the center display losing the rearview camera image.

Is buying a used Tesla worth it?

If you’re looking to dip into the used car market, a used Tesla Model S is one of the more expensive options you can choose. As one of the best ones named in iSeeCars’ study, it’s the most expensive one to buy now, with a limited lifespan left. However, it’s an EV with lots of technology and segment-leading range. You can easily go more than 300 miles before recharging and save a lot on fuel costs. If range and technology are important for a used EV, the Tesla Model S is a good way to go. Still, if you’re looking to save on costs and have a long lifespan remaining, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.