Your questions answered: Can I get a second-hand Tesla EV for $40,000?

This week’s carsales e-mailbox has someone searching for a second-hand Tesla Model 3 electric car at a bargain price, which is timely given the US brand’s sales are going gangbusters and many thousands of its EVs are now on Aussie roads.

Having said that, in a first for 2023, it’s our only question on electric cars!

One reader is looking to replace their beloved Holden Calais and another has stopped towing with their Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, so is looking for a replacement.

Another reader is looking for a wagon with a bit of spark, while a farmer is after a new small 4x4 workhorse – and has the Suzuki Jimny in mind…

Question:

Answer: There’s a thriving market for second-hand EVs, particularly Teslas. The Model 3 will give you the best value. It should be even better value now, too, given the recent price drops Tesla announced.

As for which one, go for one of the Chinese-made ones. They arrived in early 2021. Prior to that they were sourced from the US. The two basically look the same; the China cars have black door handles and black window surrounds whereas the US cars have chrome. The China cars are noticeably better build and there are significant differences with the battery technology.

The batteries in the newer entry-level Model 3s are heavier but easier and less fussy for charging.

You’ll also likely have to get the base model car. When it arrived in 2019 it was called the Model 3 Standard Range Plus but all the cars from China are known as Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive. Check out the current listings of Model 3 on carsales to see what’s available. You’ll struggle to get one for $40K, so may have to up your budget slightly.

Buying a car with NSW registration means an exemption on stamp duty for EVs, so there are some savings there. If you’re considering a lease then you’ll be able to take advantage of the FBT exemption on EVs; just make sure the car was first registered after July 1, 2022.

A few other things. Tesla has a pathetic warranty. It’s only four years and 80,000km. That said, the battery (which is the most complex and expensive part of an EV) gets a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty.

One way to get an idea of the battery health is look at the predicted range on the central screen. If the car is predicting 300km of driving range and is saying it has 65 per cent charge remaining, then divide 300 by 0.65 to get a theoretical range of 461km when the battery is full.

By way of reference, the carsales listings will say it has 556km of range, but that is measured to an older Australian standard. Tesla quotes 491km on its website to a newer standard (called WLTP). But in the real world you can knock 10-20 per cent off that. Short story is if you’re driving it around town, something like 440km would be realistic, and if you’re on a freeway maybe 350-400km.

Another consideration is the upcoming update to the Model 3, known as Project Highland. Exactly when that will happen and what it will entail is open to loads of internet speculation.

The only reason I mention that is because when that model is launched there will inevitably be some people who want to trade their current car for the new one, which will mean more of them hitting the used car market. That, in turn, could pull prices back, depending on how many hit the market.

What’s a good replacement for my Holden Calais?

Question: I live in western NSW and am sadly parting with my Holden Calais. I have driven a Kia, Hyundai, Kluger, which I feel is too big for me, the screen blocks my 4ft10” view, the Subaru was a pain, the pillar is too far back when you adjust the seat to reach the seatbelt. Any suggestions which way to go? I’m nearly 77 and live two hours from a large centre so a hybrid I feel is for me. Suggestions, please… – Margaret B

Answer: One thing you’ll notice by offloading your Holden Commodore/Calais is that not many cars do as good a job as those Australian-made large cars for gobbling up country kilometres. So be prepared to go backwards on long-distance touring comfort.

As for replacements, not sure which Hyundais and Kias you’ve driven, but the Kia Seltos is worth a look. It’s not a hybrid, but in turbo all-wheel drive guise it’s a terrific machine. If a hybrid is a must, then check out the Kia Niro, although be warned that it doesn’t come cheap.

For a hybrid of a similar size, the Toyota Corolla Cross is a great option.

The new Subaru Crosstrek is also a good option, although don’t bother with the hybrid; it has a big price premium and doesn’t save much fuel.

If you want a bit more size then the Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER is well worth a look.

Question:

He is 6ft2” and has some knee problems. He is not averse to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, etc but is also interested to know about the cheaper brands. He is interested to know what your recommendation/s would be to try and cut down the looking time and effort. (As an aside, I have a Subaru Forester and wouldn’t change it for anything!) – Helen R

Answer: As you’ve learnt from owning your Subaru Forester, the mainstream brands can offer terrific value. The difference with newer models is that they also have a heap of tech, especially relating to the latest safety features and smartphone connectivity.

First on the list should be the latest Nissan X-TRAIL. It’s terrific value and mostly drives well, although the 2.5-litre engine feels undernourished. Fortunately, there’s a hybrid system called e-POWER that is a great way to boost performance and save fuel.

Also go and look at a Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Each share engines (including petrol and diesel options) and underpinnings, so the main differentiator is styling and pricing/equipment. Plus the Kia gets another couple of years’ warranty.

If a luxury badge is more in order, then the Volvo XC60 is a great SUV. If he still wants some size, get him to check out the Volkswagen Touareg. It packs in a heap of luxury and is super-quiet and comfy.

Question: In the ‘80 and ‘90s farmers had a great time with little utes like the Suzuki Sierra and the Subaru Brumby. These are no longer available. So over the last few years with 4WD motorbikes more dangerous, farmers have turned to side-by-sides such as Honda, Polaris, Can-Am, Kubota, etc.

Answer: Yep, we’ve heard stories about some of those buggies being less than stellar on the reliability front. But we’ve also heard some brands are better than others. Honda and Can-Am, for example, seem to have a better reputation for hanging in there.

And, yes, you’re right in that they are very basic machines for the money. They usually do without weather-proofing, air-conditioning and a sound system, for starters. And the most advanced safety feature is usually a seatbelt.

The Suzuki Jimmy is easily the best option for a pocket-sized 4WD that doesn’t mind tackling the tough stuff. Jimmys also have a fantastic reputation for reliability.

The challenge is getting hold of them, at least ones with an auto transmission. Those with a manual gearbox are now relatively easy to find now, but autos have wait lists.

There has been extended talk of a Jimny ute and New Zealand Suzuki taking conversion into their own hands.

As for alternatives, second-hand 4x4 utes are also a good option for the farm. There’s no shortage of utes looking to do some hard work.

Question:

It has a funny accelerator though, I have noticed. It is not light like my Corolla or other previous cars eg a BMW 120i. It tends to be a bit unresponsive starting off from a stop. But you can’t press down on it hard or it will suddenly take off. Then when you get around 30km/h it sort of just sticks or tends to stay there for a while.

Also I was on an unfamiliar expressway last week and felt a bit scared. I was only going 60km/h but felt like with this hardish accelerator if I press it will suddenly zoom off with a bit of a noise also. I hope I haven’t made a mistake with this car because my husband says it’s because it’s turbo. The guy in my local garage says all VWs are like that and he doesn’t like the accelerator.

Yesterday it went back to workshop as there was a light coming on since day one of air pressure loss in back driver’s side wheel. It had two punctures! Windscreen wiper blades also had to be replaced as they were very noisy. I told him about the accelerator and he said that they tested it and main mechanic also drove it. He has a Golf and says it’s normal, something to do with ratios. They said if I have any issues to call them.

Is there anything I can do because last night coming home I felt a bit unsafe on the expressway as if the car will take off if I press harder? Also slow to take off at lights and I feel like someone will blow horn at me every time. – Vivian

Answer: There are two factors at play with the off-the-line hesitation. The first is turbo lag, which is the time it takes for the turbo to spin up to its operating speed. But those Volkswagen Golf models didn’t have a whole lot of that.

The far bigger issue is the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s effectively a manual gearbox with a computer-controlled clutch (or, to be precise, two clutches; one for odd gears, one for evens). When you press the accelerator, the engine has to build revs before releasing the clutch. That can lead to that hesitation, which can be offputting if you’re trying to jump into a gap or out of an intersection.

Try easing on the accelerator more gradually and it may engage the clutch more consistently. We’ve found adjusting your driving style is the best way to get the most out of a DSG transmission.

Volkswagen understands it’s an issue, too. That’s why with the latest Golf sold in Australia it shifted from a DSG to a regular torque-converter automatic.

Question:

I’ve driven the Alfa for over 13 years but previously had Subaru Libertys. I went off them when the Liberty effectively became the Outback and became big and clunky. The Alfa was a godsend.

My other dilemma is that I live in Torquay in country Victoria and use the car for longish runs and road trips. For this reason (and because I am philosophically drawn to a hydrogen car when I leave ICE cars) I am not keen on an EV.

A hybrid appeals but I can live with petrol only. My research has led me to a shortlist comprising: Volvo V60 Cross Country B5 (found a MY22 one with 20,000km for around $60K – the new ones are quite expensive), it’s a mild hybrid; Mazda6 Atenza GL wagon (new for around $55K) and they have navy blue; Volvo XC40 (alas it is an SUV) Ultimate Dark – waitlist and not cheap but it is a hybrid and drives nicely; Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti (I love the Alfa, so I have hence a possible SUV compromise), but am concerned it may be a bit gutless for highway driving; and Subaru Outback XT Sport – clunky-looking but not too SUV. I drove a friend’s Outback Touring on a road trip and it seemed pretty gutless but I gather the new XT is a step up.

A random thought was to get a second-hand Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake with lowish-km for $45K but it’s already an oldish car and not sure about performance…

And there is the Skoda Octavia but it looks cheap inside and pretty boring; a problem I’ve found with Golfs too…. And the very smart Golf R Wagon appears impossible to even order, plus is very pricey. The Passat doesn’t really excite either.

I would truly value your thoughts on what is going to be a car that makes me smile when I look at it, feel safe when I’m passing trucks on highways, and is super-comfortable (I have become fan of leather seats but couldn’t care less about most bells and whistles eg sunroof, fancy stereo, heated steering wheels etc). And as my usual passenger is a kelpie who is happy to sit in the back seat, I’m not fussed about rear seat comfort.

Hope you can help point me in the right direction. – Deb J

Answer: Wow, that is a dilemma. Let’s rip into your options…

The Volvo V60 is an underrated vehicle and well worth a look. Don’t expect many fuel savings from the mild hybrid though. It’s mild…

The Mazda6 wagon has celebrated its 10th birthday and it’s really starting to show. Solid and dependable, but getting on in age.

Volvo now sells more electric XC40s than petrol ones. That’s because it’s a better bet. Given your dislike of SUVs we’d be sticking with the V60.

The Subaru Outback is a bit gutless on the open road, but the Outback XT (with a turbo engine) solves that issue. It’s no fireball, but certainly more relaxed to drive than a standard Outback.

Shame you don’t like the Skoda Octavia, because it’s a class act.

As a left-fielder you could check out a Cupra Formentor. It’s a bit smaller (your kelpie will be fine!) than the others, but is a bit different and has some Spanish class.

So, short story is out shortlist would include the Volvo V60 of some sort (the Cross Country is fine), the Subaru Outback XT and – at a pinch – the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Question:

Answer: As you may know, the Volkswagen Arteon utilises mainstream VW hardware but puts it in a sexier body. So there’s plenty of Volkswagen Passat beneath the skin, but the skin itself looks impressively stylish, especially as a Shooting Brake (wagon).

‘Line’ branding is used by various car-makers to denote that it gets the look but not the go-fast substance. However, the Arteon R-Line gets a thoroughly useful 2.0-litre turbo driving all four wheels. No complaints here.

It’s also loaded with equipment and has a cabin that absolutely lives up to the luxury price tag. So think of the Arteon as a luxury car in everything except the badge.

Prime rivals include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which you’ll pay a lot more for to get similar performance and equipment.

That luxury heartland has also been dying off, effectively replaced by the Tesla Model 3 that is booming in sales (it’s well worth a look, although lacks the luxury cabin feel of the VW).

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

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