Is it different for used vehicles?
Should consider this before purchasing
Tesla, which has driven innovative changes in the electric vehicle market by recording high sales worldwide, is also very popular in South Korea. Many people are looking for used vehicles due to high new vehicle prices and waiting periods for delivery, but if people buy them incorrectly, they could end up in trouble.
Since electric vehicles are equipped with batteries, there are different aspects to consider from regular internal combustion engine vehicles. The biggest concern when buying a used Tesla is the high cost of repairs. Consumers who purchase electric vehicles usually look at maintenance costs so that high repair costs can be a disadvantage.
Electric Vehicles with Severe Tire Wear
Frequent Drive System Failures
Electric vehicles can instantaneously produce high output through a drive motor but have the disadvantage of greater tire wear than internal combustion engine vehicles. The vehicle’s weight, which is heavier due to the battery installed, also affects wear. Tesla’s best-selling car, Model Y, has a curb weight of 1,910 kg (4 211 lbs), and the Long Range model weighs up to 2,000 kg (4 409 lbs).
As tires wear out more, the replacement cycle is also shorter. There is a big difference in tire replacement cycles depending on driving habits. Still, considering that the tire replacement cycle for a typical internal combustion engine is 3 to 4 years, the tire replacement cycle for electric vehicles is shorter, about two years. Drive system failures were also frequent. It can be replaced for free within the warranty period, but in the case of Model S, the replacement cost is more than 7 million won ($ 600,000).
High Insurance Premiums Are a Burden
Expensive Parts and Repair Costs
High insurance premiums are also a reason for this burden. Expensive costs of parts and repairs are also a problem, and due to advanced technology and unique design, repair times are long, resulting in higher costs. Because of these characteristics, Model Y was selected as the vehicle with the most expensive insurance premiums in the United States.
Battery performance degradation should also be considered. Although this is a common problem in electric vehicles equipped with batteries, if people consider purchasing a used car, they should know that the driving range may be shorter than the existing specifications. Tesla provides a battery warranty of 8 years or up to 150,000 miles. Tesla vehicles, which contain many electronic devices, are notorious for defects and electronic device operation failures. Electronic devices with a limited lifespan are inevitably more likely to fail over time.
If People Only Look at the Functional Advantages, People end up in Trouble
Frequent Defects, Errors, and Failures
Some people may be considering purchasing Tesla’s Autopilot system, and while it is true that it has advantages over other cars, there are also concerns. Recently, accidents related to Autopilot have been occurring steadily, and especially in the United States, 2 million vehicles were recalled due to warning devices to prevent drivers from misusing the Autopilot system. Other defects also occurred one after another. In addition to heat pump defects, there were instances where the touch screen stopped working due to overheating and where the operating speed slowed down due to software errors.
There were also controversies over physical quality. Tesla’s quality controversies are famous even in Korea, such as body panel steps not matching or water leaks from the trunk due to missing seals. There is also a possibility of early damage to the suspension. Last December, a Model Y that had traveled 115 miles (185 km) was suspended and damaged in the United States. Tesla vehicles have many advantages, but if people purchase them only for the advantages, they may regret their decision because it is different from what people expected. If people consider buying a used vehicle, they should consider several aspects before purchasing one.
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