Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy Used

Used Tesla Model Y Quick Facts 

• The Tesla Model Y SUV made its debut in 2020.
• The best years for buying a used Model Y range from 2022 through 2024.
• Buying a used Model Y SUV directly from Tesla that has exceeded its factory warranty includes a one-year/10,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
• Tesla’s over-the-air updates help keep older Model Y’s current. 
  
  

The Tesla Model Y offers SUV-like accommodations, with an available third-row seat, more interior room, and more cargo space than the Model 3 sedan it’s based on. Tesla launched the Model Y in 2020. It’s still considered in its first generation, although changes to the model years are insignificant. Tesla doesn’t really delineate between model years because it makes constant changes. This fact makes it a bit more difficult to lock down each model year’s exact features and capabilities — something to keep in mind when shopping.

The Model Y offers better range, faster charging times, and quicker zero-to-60 mph runs than most of its competitors. Overall, the Model Y’s reputation for reliability and resale has improved, although issues with early models may make buying a late-model Model Y more advantageous. 

• What Is the Best Model-Year Used Tesla Model Y?
• Tesla Model Y Trim Levels Over the Years: Which Should You Buy?
• Things To Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model Y
• What Year Model Y to Avoid?

What Is the Best Model-Year Used Tesla Model Y? 

From the standpoint of features, technology, and comfort, the best are from late 2022 through 2024. Although the 2022 Model Y still uses older chips and battery technology, near the end of its run, Tesla offered upgrades like a softer suspension and updated interior. The 2023 and 2024 solidify these changes, bringing better technology upgrades and build quality. 

PRO TIP: Tesla says its New Vehicle Limited Warranty will follow your vehicle and transfer to a new owner when a vehicle ownership transfer is handled by them. When you purchase a used Model Y directly from Tesla, if the electric vehicle (EV) has exceeded its factory warranty, they include a one-year/10,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. 

See Tesla Model Y electric cars near you.

Tesla Model Y Trim Levels Over the Years: Which Should You Buy?

The Tesla Model Y debuted in 2020. By 2023, automotive analytics firm JATO Dynamics said the Model Y was the best-selling car in the world. Although still in its first generation, numerous changes over the Model Y’s run make choosing the best year a bit of a fact-finding mission. To help, we’ve broken down each model year, the trims offered, and the features included.

RELATED: Buying a Used Tesla: Everything You Need to Know

2024 Model Y  

Midway through 2024, Tesla drops the Standard Range RWD and replaces it with a Long Range RWD trim with an estimated 320 miles of range.

If you’re looking for the best range, features, and resale combination, we’d recommend the 2023 or 2024 Model Y Long Range. Those who don’t mind sacrificing some range for better performance should consider the Performance trim with the enhanced Performance Package.

See 2024 Tesla Model Y SUVs near you.

2023 Model Y 

The 2023 Model Y enjoys some significant improvements, although it loses its front sensors, using only its cameras for guidance. Significant enhancements include interior upgrades, new battery tech, and an enhanced ability to receive over-the-air updates. The Standard Range trim returns to the lineup with a 279-mile range and all-wheel drive, only to be replaced midcycle with a rear-drive version limited to up to 260 miles. The heated steering wheel gets dropped from the equipment list.

See 2023 Tesla Model Y SUVs near you.

2022 Model Y Changes

The 2022 Model Y sees the Standard Range model dropped. Later in the model run, changes to the Model Y include an available softer suspension setup, heated wipers, and revised door panels. The USB-C ports are now charge only. The Long Range trim can now travel up to 330 miles on a single charge.

See 2022 Tesla Model Y SUVs near you.

2021 Model Y  

For 2021, the Model Y Long Range’s range increases to up to 326 miles. It adds the option of a third-row seat but removes the passenger-side lumbar and the radar system for the adaptive cruise control. A Standard Range model is introduced. Powered by its rear wheels, the Standard Range can travel up to 244 miles on a charge. Tesla produced few Standard Range models this year, so finding one may prove difficult.

See 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs near you.

2020 Model Y 

Long Range

The Model Y Long Range features two electric motors and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It has a range of up to 316 miles and can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

Exterior features include a massive fixed-glass panel roof, 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps and fog lamps, a power tailgate, and power-folding, heated auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse tilt-down. The Model Y boasts 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 40/20/40 split-folding back seat. Other standard features include a wireless charging pad and a rearview camera. The Model Y’s minimalist interior includes a 15-inch multi-purpose center touch screen that serves as the car’s instrument cluster and controls the climate, audio, and Bluetooth streaming features, apps, and navigation.

The Long Range trim includes a healthy list of standard safety and driver assists, all part of the standard Autopilot program. In the mix is forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

One significant upgrade is the enhanced Autopilot with Full Self-Driving Capability program. This system allows some autonomous driving, including highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, interchanges, and the ability to maneuver around slower cars. The system can also change lanes automatically and self-parallel or perpendicularly park. Within the Self-Driving Capability is the Smart Summons feature. Picture yourself waiting outside a restaurant or shopping mall when it begins to rain. With Smart Summons, you can remotely activate the Model Y, telling it to leave its parking spot, negotiate safely through the parking lot, and make its way to where you’re waiting.

Performance

The Performance trim builds on the powertrain and equipment from the Long Range but has a range between 280 and 315 miles (depending on the upgrade) and faster acceleration. It reaches 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and claims a top speed of 155 mph. Furthering the Performance trim’s credentials are a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, performance Brembo brakes, and aluminum alloy pedals.

See 2020 Model Y SUVs near you.

A Word About Range

The range figures quoted by the manufacturer are EPA estimates based on ideal driving conditions. Factors affecting range include how the car is driven, i.e., do you feather the throttle or mash it to the floor? Outdoor temperatures can also affect battery life, especially extreme cold or heat. In cold weather, preconditioning the battery helps minimize power loss and won’t drain the battery so long as it’s done when the vehicle is plugged into a charger. Charging times can slow drastically if you don’t precondition the battery pack. Similarly, driving in extreme heat (temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit) consumes more electricity, as an EV requires power to help cool its battery. Batteries near or at the maximum temperature limits may shut down charging for safety reasons.

What to Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model Y

Battery Life

The Model Y battery is warranted for eight years or 120,000 miles (100,000 miles for rear-wheel drive). Because battery and software technology constantly change, the best guesstimate is that the Model Y battery should be good for about 10 years, after which it may begin to degrade, holding less and less of its potential charge. Should the battery fail, you’re looking at about $10,000 to $15,000 to replace the packs, which Tesla tends to remanufacture rather than replace with new ones. Some Reddit users report paying $16,000 to $22,000 for a replacement. Late model 2022 and newer Model Y SUVs use built-in software to test the battery’s health. 

Storage and Charging

If you buy a used Model Y, it’s best to have a garage or covered carport. Either allows you to purchase and install a Tesla home charging unit to charge your Model Y overnight. The average cost of a Level 2 home charger is about $550, but installation can run anywhere from about $500 to a few thousand dollars, depending on your home’s electrical setup.

Long-Term Ownership

Tesla says it designed the Model Y’s drive unit and body to go a million miles — with proper care and maintenance. However, rust and corrosion issues have been reported on some Model Y vehicles, especially in areas that use road salt during harsh winters. It also occurs where wiring is grounded to the body with steel bolts. Other reports for early models include water leaking into the cabin and rear hatch, broken door handles, and power seat failure. Tesla does offer a 12-year/Unlimited mileage corrosion warranty. With minimal moving parts to fail, the Model Y should last as long as or longer than a comparable ICE car or truck. Unlike conventional cars and SUVs, the Model Y’s over-the-air updates allow Tesla to resolve many issues with a simple software update.

Resale

This may be the most challenging part of buying any used EV. Any type of sales slowdown can cause a glut of new electric cars to flood dealer lots, meaning used EVs will be competing for the same customer base as new ones. Add to that Tesla’s habit of slashing prices without warning, and trying to figure out the best price for a used Model Y can become tricky. A late model Model Y is probably the best bet, giving buyers more features, fewer problems, and greater range than an early model for only a little more money.

Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid 

The 2020 and 2021 models use older chip and battery technology that negates some of the latest over-the-air updates. They also lack features like a heated steering wheel and a softer, more comfortable suspension. These first- and second-year Model Y SUVs also suffered from less-than-stellar build quality, numerous recalls, and some issues with the advanced driver tech.

See Tesla Model Y SUVs near you.