# Tesla Model Y — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Tesla Model Y on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/tesla-model-y

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2022
- **Ideal trim**: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £20,500

## Why this model

The Tesla Model Y is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a practical, tech-filled electric SUV. It offers great range, access to Tesla's excellent Supercharger network, and a minimalist, spacious interior. Recent price cuts by Tesla in 2023-24 have significantly impacted used values, making a 2-3 year old Model Y incredibly good value right now. It's a comfortable family car with plenty of boot space and a decent driving experience.

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen significant shifts, especially with Tesla's aggressive price cuts. A 2022 Model Y RWD, which would have been much more expensive a year or two ago, can now be found for around £20,500. This represents a huge saving over new and means you're buying after the steepest depreciation has already occurred. Long Range AWD models from the same year typically sit between £23,000-£26,000.

## Which trim to buy

The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) trim is the sweet spot for value. While it has a slightly smaller battery (around 57kWh usable) compared to the Long Range, it still offers excellent real-world range for most drivers and benefits from the same core Tesla technology and practicality. It's significantly cheaper than the Long Range or Performance models on the used market, giving you the Tesla experience without the premium price tag. The performance is still plenty quick for everyday driving.

## What to check before you buy

- Panel gaps (check alignment, especially around doors and boot)
- Minor software glitches (usually resolved with over-the-air updates)
- Suspension noise (some early models reported creaks or knocks, especially at low speeds)
- Tyre wear (can be higher due to instant torque and vehicle weight, check tread depth)

## Running costs

Running a Model Y is generally very cheap, especially if you can charge at home. Real-world efficiency is around 3.9 miles per kWh. If you're on a standard home electricity rate (around 24.5p/kWh), you're looking at about 6.3p/mile, or roughly £631 a year for 10,000 miles. However, if you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), this drops to a brilliant 2.3p/mile, costing only about £232 a year for 10,000 miles – a saving of nearly £400! Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance costs can vary, but expect it to be moderate to high for a performance EV, so always get a quote.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 295-441 hp (depending on trim)
- **Mpg**: N/A (Electric, ~3.9 mi/kWh efficiency)
- **Reliability Score**: Good (some minor build quality concerns reported)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | £44,990 | £20,500 | Autopilot; 15-inch touchscreen; Heated front and rear seats |
| Long Range AWD | £54,990 | £24,000 | All RWD features; Dual motor all-wheel drive; Longer range (75kWh usable battery) |
| Performance | £59,990 | £28,000 | All Long Range AWD features; Even faster acceleration; Upgraded brakes |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £20,500 | 0% |
| 2027 | £17,425 | 15% |
| 2028 | £15,334 | 12% |
| 2029 | £13,800 | 10% |
| 2030 | £12,420 | 10% |

Buying a 2022 Model Y in 2026 means you're picking it up after the initial steep depreciation from new, and crucially, after the significant market adjustments caused by Tesla's price cuts. This makes it a great time to buy, as much of the value loss has already occurred. While EVs will continue to depreciate, the rate should slow down, offering more stable ownership costs over the next few years.

Total value lost since new: 39.4%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5.md)
- [Kia EV6](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-ev6.md)
- Skoda Enyaq iV

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.