Shopping for a used tesla for sale? Welcome to the electrified jungle. Beware: the market never stands still. Each week, someone tweets about range, tax credits shift, and every second ad claims a battery that’ll “outlive your dog.”

Start with research. Scroll listings, sure, but also join owner forums and social groups. Real people post their joys and grievances. Some are wild: “My two-year-old licked the touchscreen; now it only does karaoke.” Others are gold mines of advice. “Test the autopilot on local roads. Firmware upgrades can turn a smooth ride into bumper cars.”

Now, price. Used Teslas carry steep asks, especially with the “full self-driving” option. But here’s a secret: that FSD blurb? Sometimes sellers add extra dollars for it. But unless the buyer has a hankering for ghostly wheel turns and surprise software drama, it may not boost value as much as they think. Haggle. Have a poker face. If you see a “great deal,” check why some folks are jumping ship. Mileage? Accident history? Battery age? It all matters. Older Teslas might have lost a chunk of their range. A 300-mile car new could be closer to 250 now—like your grandpa who claims he still runs a five-minute mile.

Inspections are your friend. Skip this, and you’re rolling dice. Pay attention to things like door handles. Yes, those fancy retractable handles sometimes misbehave. Try every gadget inside—windows, seats, cameras, even the wipers. Don’t take the seller’s word. Teslas love to throw rapport-building “quirks” at new owners.

Software is trickier. Check if the car gets updates. Early versions sometimes get kicked off the dance floor by Tesla HQ. You want a car that’s still getting new features. And ask about the included charging adapters. The more plugs, the merrier. Third-party sellers love to “forget” them.

Paperwork isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. Ownership transfer takes time. Make doubly sure the car’s title is clean. Even a superstar sedan is a dud if it’s got a lurking loan. Don’t gloss over warranties. Tesla’s battery and drivetrain coverage stays with the car, but double-check which timelines you’re inheriting.

Test drives separate dream from reality. Some pre-loved Teslas squeak, some zoom. Take it over bumps. Listen for unusual noises. See how it handles stoplights. Try autopilot, but keep your hands ready—you don’t want the car to surprise you if it thinks a plastic bag is a small child.

Last tip? Go with your gut. Buying a used Tesla can feel like adopting a borderline-genius teenager. There will be surprises. Getting great value means staying sharp, keeping it light-hearted, and making choices that match your needs, not someone else’s hype. Fasten your seatbelt—and maybe bring a playlist. Tesla or not, every road trip needs good music.