Used Tesla Model Y for sale: everything you need to know

You’re looking at one of the world’s best-selling cars. The figures vary depending on who you ask, but for a single model range, the Tesla Model Y sells in huge numbers. The brand doesn’t break its numbers down in any real detail, but in Europe alone, more than 200,000 found homes in 2023.

Why do so many people buy the Y? Probably because it simply ticks most boxes for most people: crossovers are popular right now, electric car sales are increasing, and consumers love the kind of technology that Tesla packs into its cars. Strong performance and a great charging network can’t hurt, either.

It means most rival vehicles start on the back foot, but the Model Y isn’t for everyone. Competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2 all look better, drive better, and are in a different league for build quality, but their lower sales show that Tesla is definitely getting something right.

Should you buy a Tesla Model Y?

There are plenty of reasons not to buy a Tesla Model Y. Its styling is somehow both ungainly and generic at once, its build quality is patchy at best, owner surveys reveal near-constant reliability niggles, and it has a somewhat firm ride without a tradeoff in terms of engaging handling. Plus, most day-to-day functions rely on that 15-inch centre touchscreen to an almost maddening degree.

And yet, it’s also not difficult to see why it’s become a global best-seller. Being pretty much the archetypal crossover shape helps, as that’s what most buyers want these days, and Tesla’s high profile in electric vehicles means that even buyers completely new to EVs have at least heard of the Californian brand.

It also gets the basic, functional aspects of EV ownership absolutely spot-on. The range is excellent whichever model you go for, and unlike some EVs, it doesn’t struggle to hit the quoted numbers. When you’re out and about, Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger charging network is unquestionably the best around, with plentiful, reliable chargers and fast charging speeds.

And the Y speaks to peoples’ baser instincts too. All Model Ys are quick in a straight line, and really feel it when you plant your foot down, while the 15-inch touchscreen works very well, so at least when you’re using it for nearly everything, you’re not having to wait an age for it to wake up. Throw in a practical cabin and it makes for a good family car, though take note that Tesla’s quote of an 854-litre boot means loading it to the roof - most manufacturers quote to the parcel shelf.

Alternatives like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6 or Jaguar I-Pace are far more engaging to drive and some get close on range too, while you won’t struggle to find another EV that’s been put together with more care or has nicer interior materials. But by being more spacious, quicker than most and going farther than most, the Model Y will probably suit the most buyers too.

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What’s the best used Tesla Model Y model to buy?

There’s no real wrong answer here, since even the entry-level Model Y has a very competitive range by class standards, and won’t be shamed by many entry-level equivalents in terms of performance either.

If we’d be tempted by upgrading it would be to the Long Range, which also has the benefit of all-wheel drive for a little extra poor-weather security, but given most Teslas have little difference in equipment, the basic model has all most people would need. It’s just a shame so many buyers avoided the more interesting red and blue shades in favour of refrigerator white…

Used Tesla Model Y range and performance

• Tesla Model Y: The regular Model Y features a single electric motor for the rear wheels, making 295PS and getting from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. It has a WLTP-rated range of 283 miles.
• Tesla Model Y Long Range: This is the first of the dual-motor models, with a combined 384PS across front and rear motors (for all-wheel drive). 0-62mph takes 4.8 seconds, and with a larger battery pack, can travel 331 miles on a charge.
• Tesla Model Y Performance: The Performance gets the same battery pack as the Long Range but with heavier energy demands, range dips slightly to 319 miles. The tradeoff is 456PS and a quoted 0-62mph time (albeit measured to a US standard, which isn’t actually from a standstill) of 3.5 seconds.

What used Tesla Model Y trim levels are available?

Tesla’s trim levels have always been fairly simple, based more around the capabilities of the car rather than differing equipment levels. Most cars will differ more in colours, wheel choices and the occasional option pack (like Tesla’s semi-autonomous functions) than in trim or features.

• The Tesla Model Y comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and inside, the 15-inch touchscreen you’ll find across the range, through which most of the car’s functions are handled. ‘Basic Autopilot’ driver assistance functions are included, with others unlocked for extra cost. Over-the-air updates are also part and parcel.
• The Tesla Model Y Long Range features broadly the same level of specification as the regular Model Y - the primary difference is in the extra performance and range.
• The Tesla Model Y Performance is the first model that looks and feels notably different. Wheels grow to 21 inches, the suspension is lower, and you get performance brakes to go with an increased top speed, from 135 to 155mph. At the rear is a carbon fibre spoiler, though there are no interior changes beyond a set of alloy-faced pedals.

Used Tesla Model Y dimensions and boot size

The Tesla Model Y’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4750mm
• Width: 1920mm (without mirrors)
• Height: 1623mm

The Tesla Model Y’s boot size is:

• 854 litres (to roof)
• 2158 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)
• 117 litres (frunk)

Used Tesla Model Y road tax

Like all electric cars, you won’t currently have to send any money the Treasury’s way when you tax the Model Y each year, as it has zero-rate VED. This may change in future, but is one more benefit to driving an EV right now.

How much is it to insure a Tesla Model Y?

Insurance is one of the areas Tesla’s cars seem to be a little more expensive than some equivalent vehicles - in part because even lower-end Tesla models have plenty of power, which can scare some insurance companies away. The cheapest Model Y starts in group 46 out of 50, while the Long Range is group 48 and the Performance is group 49. For comparison, the Kia EV6 range spans groups 34-40 for regular versions, and the Performance-matching EV6 GT is group 45.

Read our full Tesla Model Y review