The Tesla Model S is dead, but should you buy a used one?
January 30, 2026 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Tesla recently announced that the Model S is being killed off, but you can still buy a used one in the UK for less than the price of a new Model 3. Should you consider buying this flagship electric car? News editor Jamie Edkins is going to help you decide.
The Tesla Model S was the car which launched Tesla into the mainstream market when it was launched back in 2014, and it was one of the most high-tech EVs you could buy. But after 12 years on sale, the Model S was recently axed by Tesla.
It’s not been available to buy new in the UK for a few years now, so many buyers may have forgotten about the Tesla Model S. I think we should take a moment to remember it though, because it’s a bit of a second-hand bargain in 2026.
Is the Tesla Model S a good car?
It may have been around for some time, but the Tesla Model S is still one of the most high-tech electric cars you can buy.
The minimalist interior is dominated by a massive central touchscreen, and it’s fantastically easy to use. The graphics are super-sharp, it’s quick to respond and it’s just as intuitive to use as your phone.
The Model S is also a great motorway cruiser. It’s really quiet at speed, and the Autopilot adaptive cruise control system is one of the best in the business. It steers to keep you in lane and keeps you a safe distance from the car in front, taking the strain out of long journeys.
Depending on the model you choose, it’s also astonishingly fast. The top-spec Plaid model will do 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds, but that one is quite expensive. The Dual-Motor version will still do 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, and it’s much more affordable.
Why you should buy a used Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S cost the best part of £70,000 when it was on sale in the UK, but nowadays there are some second-hand bargains out there.
Prices start from around £11,000 for a 2014 version with higher mileage, but I’d recommend looking at the facelifted Model S which came out in 2017. I found a 2018 Dual-Motor Tesla Model S with 30,000 miles on the clock for just under £30,000 through Carwow.
It has a whopping 525hp and an impressive driving range of up to 393 miles. All this comes for around £8,000 less than a new Tesla Model 3, a car which is smaller and not as high-tech as the Model S.
Things to consider before buying a used Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a great electric car, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things to consider before you buy one.
The first thing is interior quality, because it’s not as well-made inside as a BMW i5. It does still look pretty posh, but when you dig a bit deeper you’ll find some flimsy trims and ill-fitting panels.
An Audi e-tron GT is also a more stylish electric car. The Model S is handsome, but a bit forgettable. The Audi is literally the car which Iron Man drives, and that’s about as cool as you can get.
If you’re after an EV which is fun to drive, check out a Porsche Taycan. It does a better job of hiding its weight in the bends than the Tesla, because it feels properly agile.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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