Imagine the disappointment of wanting to upgrade your high-mileage 2014 Model S with a newer model, only to receive a trade-in offer of $5,000 from Tesla. This unfortunate situation was recently shared by a frustrated owner from the US, who took to social media seeking advice and support from the online community.
The 2014 Tesla Model S in question has amassed a hefty 150,000 miles (241,400 km) over the past decade. Despite its age and high mileage, the owner asserts that the vehicle is still in decent condition, with no significant mechanical problems reported. This claim is purportedly supported by independent mechanics who have inspected the car during routine service intervals.
Furthermore, the owner asserts that the battery performance of the vehicle remains “commendable,” suggesting that there is no immediate need for battery replacement before finding a new home. This aspect is crucial, as the cost of a replacement battery pack for the Model S can range from $12,000 to $22,000, posing a significant concern for potential dealers or buyers.
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The Tesla owner, known as @BrandonBusch on Reddit, took to the Tesla Lounge thread to share his story and inquire if others had received similar trade-in offers for their Model S. The majority of commenters suggested that he would fare better by independently listing his car for sale, as the used car market could potentially yield a price close to $20,000 for the electric vehicle. Additionally, they advised exploring options with Carmax, as it was believed to offer a more favorable deal compared to Tesla’s trade-in offer.
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It is probable that Tesla would choose to auction the vehicle rather than include it among their typical inventory of newer models. A commenter provided insight from a dealer’s standpoint, suggesting that the $5,000 offer was likely “what they’re comfortable losing,” and Tesla may not be willing to take any additional risks by offering a higher amount. Nonetheless, many agreed that this figure was unjustifiably low for a drivable Model S in reasonably good condition, especially considering the vehicle’s market value.
While acknowledging that the $5,000 trade-in offer seems too low, the owner says he’s carefully considering whether to accept it or pursue other options, taking into account the feedback and advice provided in the comment section before reaching a decision.
