Inspection checklist

Known faults: tick the ones you find

• Phantom braking Severity: Medium What to look for: Sudden deceleration on empty roads, especially under bridge shadows and when trucks approach from the opposite direction. Usually appears at: At every mileage · Estimated repair: 0 ₺
• Heat pump failure (in cold weather) Severity: Medium What to look for: Cabin doesn't heat up; 'A/C system performance low' warning. Usually appears at: At every mileage · Estimated repair: 0 – 40,000 ₺
• Clicking/creaking from the front suspension Severity: Low What to look for: Knocking/creaking over bumps at low speed and when turning the steering wheel. Usually appears at: 20,000 – 80,000 km · Estimated repair: 8,000 – 20,000 ₺
• Assembly quality and panel gaps Severity: Low What to look for: Uneven gaps between tailgate and fender, wind noise. Usually appears at: At every mileage · Estimated repair: —
• Water leaks in the trunk and roof Severity: Low What to look for: Water in the boot floor after rain, dampness at the roof edge. Usually appears at: At every mileage · Estimated repair: 0 – 10,000 ₺

Recalls: ask the seller

Have the authorised dealer check the chassis number; an open recall is normally repaired free of charge.

• 2024 · Hood latch detection fault (NHTSA 24V-554): On the 2020-2024 Model Y (1.8 million+ vehicles in total, including the 2021-2024 Model 3/S/X), the hood latch may fail to detect that the hood is not fully locked; the hood could then fly open and block the driver's view. Fixed with a free OTA software update (owners notified in September 2024).
• 2023 · Steering wheel attachment bolt (NHTSA 23V-385): In May 2023, in the US, it was found that the steering wheel attachment bolt may not have been tightened enough on some 2022-2023 Model Y cars (built roughly June 2022-May 2023, 137 vehicles); the check and, if needed, bolt replacement were done free of charge at Tesla service.

Service history: ask for records

Ask for the service book or invoices. These items should have been done on time:

• Tire rotation (every 10,000 km)
• Cabin air filter (every 24 months)
• Brake fluid check (every 48 months)
• A/C desiccant bag (every 72 months)

Check on the test drive

• Start the engine cold: there should be no smoke, shaking or odd noises.
• With the ignition on, all warning lights should flash once and then none should stay lit.
• The brakes should not shudder, pull or squeal.
• On a straight road the car should not drift when you loosen the wheel; there should be no thuds or creaks over bumps.
• The air conditioning and all electrical equipment (windows, mirrors, multimedia) should work.
• Hybrid/electric: ask for the high-voltage battery health report; charging and range figures should match expectations.