Finding a secondhand Tesla with all-wheel drive is similar to searching for hidden treasure in your own backyard; you may hit rocks or a garden gnome before you find something of value. Not only do these AWD vehicles look good on paper, but they also bite into the pavement, cling to surfaces in the rain, smash through frozen driveways, and transform everyday drives into covert operations.

The discussion is altered by Tesla’s dual-motor configuration. When you press the pedal, all four wheels have a voice since each axle has a motor. Launches are silent, quick, and a touch crazy, like a ride at an amusement park. Forget about fishtailing in a rainstorm or spinning tires. AWD Teslas treat off-ramps like rollercoasters and scoff at weather forecasts.

However, if you look at the classifieds, you’ll realize that these cars are rarely overlooked. Prices increase, particularly for low-mileage vehicles. Examples of sub-30K miles come with price tags that match their bragging rights. You might get a discount if you climb more kilometers, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Make direct inquiries. After road trips and winters, how does the original battery feel? Have you ever accrued fast-charge sessions while stuck in traffic on holidays? These kinds of details are important, particularly if you frequently travel long distances or battle in frigid climates.

Traditional AWD Air suspension, power hatches, and panoramic roofs from the days before everyone had glass on top are examples of concealed style that Teslas occasionally feature. Particularly, the Model S and X can surprise you in two ways: either as immaculate grand tourers or as lovable, eccentric haulers with a backstory behind every button. Try not to miss a test drive if at all possible. Establish a Zoom call and request that the vendor show you everything, flaws and all, even if you are buying hundreds of miles away.

Creature comforts have the power to quickly change your mind. Some AWD vehicles have winter wheels, wool carpets, or heated seats throughout. Others, who were tech-heavy but frugal elsewhere, returned home from the factory nearly bare-bones. Examine pictures, verify touchscreens, and dig around to avoid making assumptions.

Examine your wheels and tires. Unusual tire patterns or rims that have been curb-rashed may indicate that the vehicle has experienced some drama. Make sure everything fits, closes, and isn’t concealing a disaster from two ski seasons ago by popping the trunk and frunk. Inquire about cables, chargers, and adapters. It can feel like highway robbery to try to purchase a missing smartphone charger after the fact.

The hardest part is sometimes the software. Tesla enjoys adjusting which features remain and releasing upgrades. Don’t assume that features like autopilot, full self-driving, or access to premium music are included. Before discussing the pricing, confirm what is currently displayed in the car’s menu. What you see is what you receive, not what faded internet advertisements say.

Before you go crazy, organize all of your paperwork. There are still some AWD versions with drivetrain or battery warranties. The vendor may have extra tire sets in the garage, awaiting your claim. Glovebox overflowing with receipts? For tracking oddities and care, that is invaluable.

In the end, an AWD Tesla isn’t your average used vehicle. It’s a high-tech adventure wagon that thrives on back roads, stays on highways, and hardly notices inclement weather. The appropriate car might be waiting for you to locate it, so stay alert, ask the strange questions, and enjoy the search—it’s half the fun.