Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Tesla Model X

Written by Nick Versaw

Updated January 6th, 2022

The Tesla Model X was first released in 2015, and is classified as a mid-size crossover, making it just a little bigger than other models like the Model 3 and Model Y.

It also has several other distinguishing features, such as seven-passenger seating capacity and iconic falcon-wing doors.

The Model X initially came in four trims, but now only two of them are still in production: Plaid and Long Range.

That means if you want an earlier model like the Tesla Model X Performance edition or the Long Range Plus — or you just don’t want to wait for a new Model X to be delivered — then you may want to consider buying a Tesla Model X used.

Let’s take a look at this model’s pricing, features, and trim levels, and what you need to know before deciding whether to buy a new or used Tesla Model X.

Tesla Model X Features and Specs

Like all Tesla models, the Tesla Model X is a fully electric vehicle, meaning you’ll have to plug it into an electric car charger to recharge the battery.

Fortunately, Tesla makes some of the most reliable electric car batteries in the industry and has a comprehensive network of Supercharger stations around the U.S.

But if you’re in the market for a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, you’ll have to look elsewhere: The Tesla Model X (or the rest of Tesla’s vehicle lineup) doesn’t offer any models with a gasoline engine.

Here’s everything else you need to know about buying a new or used Tesla Model X:

Pricing, Trim, and Wait Time

Currently, the Model X is available in two editions: the Tesla Model X Plaid and the Tesla Model X Long Range. The main differences are in pricing and performance.

The Plaid has a range of 340 miles on a full charge, a top speed of 163 mph, and a 1,020 horsepower tri-motor drivetrain. It has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds.

Unfortunately, those specs will cost you a hefty $119,990, and at the time of this writing (October 2021), new orders won’t be delivered until May or June 2022.

The Model X Long Range starts at $99,990 and adds 20 miles of range for a total of 360 miles on a fully charged battery.

It has a dual-motor AWD (all-wheel drive) powertrain, which gets a top speed of 155 mph and can reach 50 mph in 3.8 seconds. You can choose from 20-inch or 22-inch Cyberstream alloy wheels.

Although it’s slightly more affordable than the Plaid edition, it has a similar projected wait time of at least six months.

For a faster delivery time, you can consider buying a used Tesla Model X. 

If you want to compare preowned Tesla Model X’s near you, just click the button below:

Exterior Features

From the outside, the Tesla Model X looks similar to other models in terms of style. It’s built with efficiency in mind, with an aerodynamic exterior that has a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd — which Tesla claims makes it the “lowest-drag SUV on Earth.”

The Model X is available in five exterior colors: white comes standard, while black, blue, and silver paint will set you back an extra $1,500, and red costs an extra $2,500.

But the vehicle’s most notable feature is its falcon-wing doors, also known as gull-wing doors, which are similar to those on a DeLorean. The two rear doors open out and up, making it easier to access the rear passenger seats in tight parking spaces.

Interior Features

The Model X’s interior is another thing that sets it apart from similar electric cars. Many other EVs, such as the Chevrolet Bolt, are five-seat hatchbacks, but the Model X has a seating capacity of up to seven, with synthetic leather seats.

You’ll have to pay extra for the third row of seats, with an extra charge of $3,500 for the seven-seat layout, and $6,500 for the six-seat layout.

Other features include a panoramic windshield (but no sunroof), a 17-inch infotainment screen, and a yoke-style steering wheel for smoother handling.

You’ll also get a 22-speaker premium sound system with satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB-C connections, and wireless gaming capabilities.

The Model X is available in three interior color options and offers keyless entry for extra convenience.

Plus, the climate control system has separate temperature zones for the front seats and the back-row seats, as well as HEPA air filters for the entire cabin.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the standard Autopilot system includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot collision warning.

Tesla also offers full self-driving capabilities, such as auto lane change and auto park features, but you’ll have to pay an extra $10,000 for these options.

Even without that upgrade, you’ll get forward-facing cameras and backup cameras, as well as 12 ultrasonic sensors for 360-degree blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Other navigation system features include a Trip Planner, which will automatically find a route to your destination with enough Superchargers for you to stop at.

New vs. Used Tesla Model X: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve looked at all of the interior and exterior features, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of buying a new Tesla vs. buying a used car.

Pros

• Lower price: With the cheapest Model X starting at around $100,000, it may be more cost-effective to buy a Tesla Model X used instead of new. You don’t have to worry about missing out on the electric car tax credit, because Teslas aren’t currently eligible anyway.
• Reduced wait time: Tesla’s factory-direct delivery model means that you can’t just walk into a dealership and drive home with a new Tesla the same day. If waiting six to eight months for a new car doesn’t appeal to you, you can look for an electric car near you that’s available right away.
• Access to earlier models: The Model X Performance edition and Long Range Plus aren’t in production anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’re obsolete. You can get nearly all of the features available in newer Tesla models by buying a used Tesla from a third-party.

Cons

• Fewer financing options: Tesla offers plenty of financing options when you buy a new car from them directly. You may have fewer options when trying to lease or buy a Tesla on the used car market.
• Limited warranty: All new electric cars sold in the U.S. come with a warranty on the battery pack for at least eight-years/100,000 miles. If a used EV is near the end of its warranty, be sure to take it for a test drive and check the vehicle history to make sure it’s been well-maintained and is in good working order.
• Still expensive: Buying a used Tesla Model X may not end up saving you that much money over buying a new one. That’s because Teslas hold their resale value incredibly well, even after several years of ownership.

Should You Buy a Used Tesla Model X?

Buying a used car may seem like a gamble, but with their long-lasting batteries and high resale value, used Tesla models are far from obsolete.

Plus, your used Tesla Model X will automatically download the latest software updates, ensuring that you have access to the newest tools and safety features.

The Model X may be too flashy for everyday commuters, but it’s great for drivers who want a stylish, high-performance ride. It can even be a great choice for families, since it’s the only Tesla model that can fit seven passengers comfortably.

If a used Model X is still out of your price range, then you may want to consider other electric car companies like Toyota, Ford, or BMW.

Learn more about our picks for the best Tesla alternatives or search for used electric cars near you.

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.