Even with nearly 140,000 miles on the clock and a purchase price below $13,000, a 2014 Tesla Model S could still cover over 200 miles in a range test and hit 60 mph rapidly. That combination helps explain why budget-minded buyers should still consider older electric vehicles.
Here's what to know
To see what a cheap, high-mileage EV can still do, Edmunds Cars (@edmundscars) picked up a 2014 Model S showing roughly 135,000 to 140,000 miles and brought it to its test track for a YouTube video.
Running a single rear motor and wearing Lionhart tires upfront and Falkens at the back, the sedan posted a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time and a 13.3-second quarter-mile.
Range mattered just as much as acceleration. Edmunds said the 2013 Model S it once ran long-term could go a bit beyond 230 miles on a full charge, and this 2014 used car managed 221 miles in the outlet's EV Range Test.
On the handling course, Edmunds host Alistair Weaver said the car still came across as well sorted. He highlighted the quiet air suspension, easy but accurate steering, and a cabin largely free of squeaks or rattles, though he did note a distinct rear-motor whine when accelerating.
"For 13k that's a steal," one commenter said.
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More background
That optimism contrasts with Edmunds' earlier long-term Model S experience. The staff said its 2013 car needed one battery replacement, one display replacement, four suspension repairs, and three drive-unit replacements; it had also endured three roadside breakdowns, and the touchscreen froze nine separate times.
The used 2014 car shows its age. Weaver called out road rash on the front end, tired leather, warped glass over the gauge cluster, and a trunk motor that "just about still works." Even so, he said the interior still feels impressively sturdy, and the 17-inch portrait touchscreen remains in good shape.
Vehicle-history details in a Bumper Report mentioned in the video showed an original MSRP of $69,900 and a first purchase in January 2014. According to that report, the owner kept the car for about 5 1/2 years and around 35,000 miles.
For shoppers considering making their next car an EV, the mix of low upfront cost, strong range retention, and modern-feeling tech may be appealing. A used EV can also help drivers save money on fuel costs.
What can be done?
The purchase is not just a one-day curiosity. Edmunds said it will spend the next year and roughly 20,000 miles using the Model S to judge everyday reliability, how it charges, and whether the sub-$13,000 buy-in still looks smart once the car enters regular service.
That longer test could help shoppers who want to cut fuel spending and routine maintenance. In the comments, one owner wrote: "I have 164k miles on my 2017 model S. Still on original battery, drivetrain and brakes."
The outlet also reviewed the car's record for prior pricing, recalls, ownership changes, and accidents. In this case, the history showed no accidents.
A final judgment will have to wait until Edmunds has added many more miles. Still, Weaver's first takeaway was unmistakably upbeat: "There's life in the old dog yet."
Where can I learn more?
If you're curious how this fits into the bigger picture for older Teslas, there are plenty of other anecdotes and research on their ownership costs.
• A follow-up analysis found the most cost-effective electric vehicle to own was Tesla's Model 3.
• One driver said major savings with EV driving made Tesla ownership easy to recommend.
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