With a budget of around $28,500, buying a brand new pure electric sedan already puts you in a tight spot. Once you start adding expectations like premium feel and modern tech, the choices shrink even faster. This is what every driver should know before jumping into the EV market with a fixed budget it’s very easy to want more than your money can realistically buy. That’s why more people start looking at the second hand electric car market. And sooner or later, many of them notice something surprising: a Tesla Model S that once cost over $115,000 can now be found for roughly $28,500, sometimes even cheaper than a brand new Model 3. No waiting for delivery, a bigger car, and a more upscale feel. Sounds tempting but does it actually make sense?
Back when it first came out, the Tesla Model S felt like something from the future. Its design and technology stood out immediately, especially compared to traditional luxury sedans of the time. But being an imported flagship meant the 2014 top spec model cost around $130,000 when new. Despite the price, plenty of people bought it. Fast forward to today, and the same car can be picked up for a fraction of that. In practical terms, it’s like buying what used to be a luxury penthouse for the price of a small apartment. You still get the space, the presence, and the comfort just without the brand-new smell.
Compared to the Model 3, the Model S still feels more “grown up.” Things like the larger screen, real instrument cluster, power tailgate, adjustable headrests, and even small touches like the door handles all add up. You may not think about them every day, but they quietly shape how premium the car feels when you live with it. This is one of those things people don’t fully appreciate until they’ve experienced both.
In the used market, most Model S options you’ll find are from 2014 to 2016. The cheapest entry point is usually the 2014 model. With around 100,000 km on the clock, it can drop below $28,500. The 2015 and 2016 versions cost more, often between $28,500 and $37,000, depending on condition and mileage. If you’ve ever scrolled through car forums or quiz automobile discussions, you’ll notice this price range comes up again and again when people compare used EV value.
Now comes the part many people struggle with emotionally: it’s still a used car. On paper, a brand new Model 3 costs $43,000 to $57,000, while a new Model S sits in the $100,000 plus range. But in real life, most people don’t judge cars by age they judge by size, presence, and brand. A well kept used Model S can easily look more impressive than a brand new Model 3. It’s a bit like showing up to a dinner in a tailored suit that’s a few years old versus a brand new jacket from a fast fashion store. One feels established, the other just feels new.
Depreciation is where the used Model S really starts to make sense. New cars lose value fastest in the first few years it’s painful but unavoidable. Used cars have already taken that hit. Once a car reaches a certain age, the price tends to stabilize. That means a used Model S bought today is unlikely to lose value as fast as a new Model 3 over the next few years. Of course, buying used isn’t risk free. Rubber seals, suspension parts, and general wear still matter. Even though EVs don’t rely on traditional vehicle engine parts, you still need to check the basics carefully just like you would when buying a used apartment instead of a new one.
At the end of the day, the Tesla Model 3 is still a great car, whether new or used. If you want peace of mind, warranty coverage, and zero worries about battery aging, buying new makes sense. But comparing a brand new Model 3 with a used Model S isn’t really a fair fight they belong to different worlds. One is about efficiency and simplicity, the other is about space, presence, and a more premium experience. If you care more about how the car feels to live with than whether it’s brand new, a used Model S can be a surprisingly smart choice. And that, more than anything, is what every driver should know before making the final decision.
