Nearly new buying guide: Tesla Model S

If you do that, you’ll also get a handle on what ‘self-driving’ abilities your car has. This gets complicated, because the Autopilot system (which includes lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control) has changed definition and names down the years and didn’t always come as standard.

You may also see Full Self-Driving Capability, which allows the Model S to park itself, change lanes on the motorway and even be controlled at very low speeds from a smartphone. Plus, it enables the car to recognise stop signs and traffic lights and come to a standstill. It will also be able to use Autopilot to navigate around cities – once the tech and law allow.

You need Autopilot 2.0 to support Full Self-Driving Capability, so a car built from late 2016 onwards. And even if the Model S you fancy doesn’t have this tech, you can add it over the air for a fee.

BUYER BEWARE

Battery Give it a health check at a Tesla workshop because early models (pre-2016), in particular, can suffer degradation issues or failure.

Drive unit Some early cars suffered poor bearing lubrication so listen for unusual noises. Accelerate hard feeling for vibration suggesting the front driveshafts have failed. 

Warning lights A cooling light could mean low coolant or a failed pump, both serious.

Suspension and brakes Scrutinise the suspension for damage and failure and check that the. dampers aren't leaking. Be sure there's no judder through the pedal when braking (it's surprisingly common for an EV).

Body Check you're happy with the sometimes iffy panel fit and alignment and remember that any damage is likely to be expensive and, because of the relative lack of industry expertise, troublesome to repair. With the car on a ramp, inspect the battery carrier for signs of impact damage. Feel for damp patches in the boot. Check the windscreen wipers and all exterior lights work. Staying with the lights, be sure they're not suffering from heavy condensation and filling with water. If fitted, be sure the panoramic roof isn't leaking, that the door handles work and that the boot opens and closes (while there, check the reversing camera isn't suffering from water ingress).

Interior The S is a laptop on wheels so check the infotainment, control and autonomous services for the usual snags and delays that afflict ageing computer systems. Be sure all updates have been performed and if there are any stubborn issues, explore the possibility of software and hardware upgrades (for example, the MCU – media control unit – was upgraded to the MCU2 in 2018 from the earlier MCU1 and is a worthwhile investment). Again, pre-2016 cars are more troubled than later ones. Look for yellow banding on the edge of the screen indicating that the glue securing it is failing, as well as the screen itself. Be sure the heater works because a few owners have reported it failing.

Towhook This is not advised or made available by Tesla so avoid a car that has one fitted. 

Recalls Check they've all been actioned, including the one concerning the power steering pump securing bolts. Staying with the steering, if it feels heavy or won't self-centre easily check the condition of its universal joint; it may need lubricating.

Need to know

The latest Model S variants are badged Long Range and Performance, but they’re so new that you won’t find many for sale.