Used Tesla Inspection Checklist (2026)

58 checks for buying a used Tesla — including battery health, history and paperwork. Tick them off here as you go.

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Paint & Body 3 checks

No scratches, chips, or marks on paintCosmetic
Scan every panel under direct light for visible damage.
Paint finish — color match, texture, runsCosmetic
One slow walk-around: compare panel colors, check for orange peel, look for drips.
Paint coverage on door edges and hoodCosmetic
Open each door and check edges and undersides for bare metal or thin paint.

Panel Gaps & Alignment 7 checks

Even gaps between doors and bodyCosmetic
Check that gaps are uniform left to right — use a finger width as reference.
Hood alignment and gap symmetryCosmetic
Compare the gap on both sides of the hood — asymmetry is reportable.
Trunk/liftgate — alignment and operationFunctional
Check how the trunk sits when closed, then open and close it; on Model Y test the power liftgate.
Headlight and taillight fit — no condensationFunctional
Check lights sit flush with the bodywork and have no moisture inside.
Door seals and weatherstrippingFunctional
Inspect rubber seals for gaps, tears, or misalignment — affects wind noise.
Frunk alignment and latchFunctional
Open and close the frunk; check the fit and that the latch clicks firmly.
All exterior lights workFunctional
Test headlights, turn signals, brake, reverse and tail lights.

Glass & Mirrors 5 checks

Windshield free of chips or cracksFunctional
Look across the glass from inside and outside.
Glass roof — no marks or seal issuesCosmetic
Inspect the glass roof for scratches, bubbles, or seal gaps.
All windows operate smoothlyFunctional
Roll each window fully up and down — listen for grinding.
Side mirrors — firm, no squeaksFunctional
Fold and adjust both side mirrors; check auto-fold works.
Wipers and washer spray workFunctional
Run the wipers through all speeds and spray washer fluid.

Interior 9 checks

Seats — no stains, stitching intactCosmetic
Check seat surfaces, stitching, and bolsters for factory marks.
Seat functions — adjustment, heating, ventilationFunctional
Move each seat through every direction, then test heating (and ventilation) in all positions.
Interior panels flush — no rattlesCosmetic
Press around trim panels for gaps or rattles — especially A/B pillars.
Steering wheel, scroll wheels and hornFunctional
Test the wheel buttons, scroll wheels, and the horn.
Glovebox opens and closes properlyFunctional
Open and close the glovebox — check for USB ports inside.
Rear seats sit flush and foldFunctional
Check rear seat alignment and that 60/40 fold works smoothly.
Door handles and manual release workFunctional
Open each door from outside and inside; locate the manual release.
Seatbelts extend, retract and latchWalk away / renegotiate
Test every belt — pull, latch, release, and retract.
Interior lights, USB ports & chargersFunctional
Test the interior lights, every USB-C port and the wireless phone chargers.

Do this on your iPhone with TSL Check

The same checklist, built for buying a used Tesla — without paper or screenshots.

Swipe through every check and mark OK or Not OK
Attach a photo and a note to each problem
Share a PDF report with the seller
Plus: how to inspect each item, real defect photos, and checks for your model

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. No account. Your inspection stays on your phone.

Screen & Software 6 checks

No dead pixels or discolorationFunctional
Look closely at the display for dead pixels or yellow tinting.
Touch response across full screenFunctional
Tap across all areas — especially corners and edges.
Software version is currentFunctional
Check the software version in Settings > Software; request update if behind.
Tesla account & app — linked and workingWalk away / renegotiate
Confirm the car shows in your Tesla app and responds to commands.
Navigation and connectivityFunctional
Test maps, cellular data, and premium connectivity if included.
No warning lights or alerts on the displayWalk away / renegotiate
Scan the driver display and main screen for any warning icons.

Cameras & Sensors 5 checks

Rear camera — clear imageFunctional
Shift to reverse and check the rear camera view is sharp and clean.
Side cameras — clear imageFunctional
Check both side repeater camera feeds for clarity.
Cabin camera functionalFunctional
Confirm the cabin camera is working in the Tesla app.
Parking sensors respond correctlyFunctional
Move near objects and watch the proximity visualization.
Dashcam & Sentry Mode recordFunctional
Confirm the USB drive is recognized and clips actually record and play back.

Wheels & Tires 4 checks

Tires — no marks, proper pressureCosmetic
Inspect each tire sidewall and tread; check pressures on screen.
Rims — no damage, all lug covers presentCosmetic
Check each rim for scuffs (behind aero covers too) and count the lug nut covers.
Tire repair kit presentFunctional
Confirm the tire repair kit is in the sub-trunk.
Tire tread & even wearFunctional
Measure tread depth and check all four wear evenly.

Charging 5 checks

Charge port opens and closesFunctional
Open and close the charge port via screen and button.
Charging accessories — connector & adaptersWalk away / renegotiate
Confirm the mobile connector (if ordered) and the charging adapters are in the car.
Test charge initiates properlyWalk away / renegotiate
Plug in and confirm charging starts; check estimated range.
Battery health & degradationFunctional
Compare range at 100% to the original rating — the #1 used-EV concern.
12V / low-voltage battery is healthyFunctional
Ask about the age of the 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery.

Test Drive 7 checks

Brakes — no noise, good responseWalk away / renegotiate
Listen and feel for grinding or squealing; test at low speed.
Suspension — no clunks or creaksWalk away / renegotiate
Drive over bumps and listen for abnormal noises.
Brake wear & rust (used)Functional
Check pad thickness and rotor condition — EVs use brakes rarely, so they rust.
No wind noise or rattles at speedFunctional
Drive 40+ mph on a smooth road, music off — listen for whistling and interior rattles.
Climate controls and heated seatsFunctional
Test heating, cooling, defrost, and heated/ventilated seats.
Audio system — all speakersFunctional
Play audio, fade front/rear and left/right to test every speaker.
Regenerative braking feels normalFunctional
Lift off the accelerator and feel for smooth regen engagement.

Documentation 7 checks

VIN matches purchase contractWalk away / renegotiate
Compare the VIN on the dashboard/door jamb to your paperwork.
Clean title & no outstanding financeWalk away / renegotiate
Confirm the title/registration is clean and matches the seller — no lien.
Service, accident & repaint historyWalk away / renegotiate
Ask for service records and check for accident or repaint evidence.
Remaining warranty & feature transferFunctional
Check warranty left by date/mileage — and that paid features transfer.
Mileage matches records & conditionFunctional
Check the odometer against the records and the car’s wear.
Open recalls & campaignsFunctional
Check whether the VIN still has any open recall or service campaign.
Keys — both cards and phone key workWalk away / renegotiate
Test both key cards on the B-pillar and set up your phone as key.

Found a problem?

Photograph and note it, with the VIN in one shot.
Use it to negotiate the price, or ask for the repair before you pay.
Walk away from paperwork that does not line up: a title that does not match the seller, outstanding finance, or a total-loss record.

Do this on your iPhone with TSL Check

The same checklist, built for buying a used Tesla — without paper or screenshots.

Swipe through every check and mark OK or Not OK
Attach a photo and a note to each problem
Share a PDF report with the seller
Plus: how to inspect each item, real defect photos, and checks for your model

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. No account. Your inspection stays on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before buying a used Tesla?

Battery health and range, the 12V battery, tires and brakes, signs of accident repair or repaint, the title and any outstanding finance, remaining warranty and which paid features transfer, plus the usual body, interior, screen and test-drive checks — 58 in total on this page.

How do I check battery degradation on a used Tesla?

Compare the range shown at 100% with the original rated range for that model in your region. Some loss is normal; a large drop is a strong negotiation point. The TSL Check app includes a calculator that estimates full range from a partial charge.

Do Full Self-Driving and other paid features transfer with a used Tesla?

Software is usually tied to the car, but listings sometimes claim features the car does not have. Check on the screen which features are active and get it in writing before paying extra.