Tesla Model X post-purchase inspection: what we checked and what we found

Buying a used Tesla is exciting, but it also means taking on a car whose history you only partly know. A post-purchase inspection gives you a clear picture of its condition from day one, so there are no surprises later and you can plan any work on your own terms.

This Model X came to us for exactly that, shortly after its new owner bought it.

What a post-purchase inspection covers

The aim is simple: find out what the previous owner may not have mentioned, and what will need attention soon. We look at the areas that matter most on a Tesla, including:

• suspension and steering components, including the bushes that wear on heavier models
• brakes and brake components
• tyres: tread depth, wear pattern and age
• the underbody, for damage or leaks
• the drive units
• the cooling and thermal management systems
• the vehicle's diagnostics and stored system alerts

The result is a plain-English summary: what is fine, what is wearing, and what needs doing now.

What we found on this Model X

The good news first: this was a very well-maintained car. Overall, it showed no major issues.

Two things did come up.

Slightly worn front control arm bushes

The front control arm bushes were showing early signs of wear. Bushes like these isolate the suspension from the body, and on a car as heavy as a Model X they work hard. When they wear, the usual signs are knocks or creaks over bumps, a less precise feel through the steering, and uneven tyre wear over time.

Here the wear was slight, so this was not urgent. Knowing about it now means the owner can plan the job, rather than discover it later as a noise or a worn tyre. If you are hearing knocks from your own Tesla, our brakes and suspension repair service is the place to start.

Tyres near the end of their life

The tyres were the one thing that could not wait. They were nearing the end of their life, so we talked through the options with the owner and settled on a full set of new Hankook SUV tyres, fitted the following day.

Tyres matter more on an electric car than many owners expect. A Model X is heavy and delivers its torque instantly, which wears tyres faster than on a similar petrol car. The right tyre needs a load rating suited to the car's weight, and the condition of the tyres affects grip, braking, noise and range.

When fitting new tyres, it is also worth checking the wheel alignment, so the new set wears evenly from the start. We use a Hunter HawkEye system and set every car to Tesla's own specifications, as described on our four-wheel alignment service.

Peace of mind after purchase

The owner left knowing exactly what condition the car was in, with new tyres already on and the only other job planned in advance. That is what a post-purchase inspection is for.

Thinking about buying a Tesla? A pre-purchase inspection before you commit is even better, so you can factor any work into the price. And if you have just bought one, a post-purchase inspection is a good way to start.

Send us a message with the model, the year and the mileage, and we will arrange a time to inspect it.