Discover How This Bargain Tesla Model S Defied Expectations with an Astonishing 450,000 Miles
When we think of high-mileage vehicles, premium electric cars like the Tesla Model S don't usually come to mind. Yet, the story of a particular Tesla Model S acquired by Alex Kersten, the brain behind the AutoAlex Cars YouTube channel, shatters all preconceptions. Buying this Tesla was an audacious move considering its staggering 450,000-mile journey across Europe, primarily as a taxi. But what's even more astonishing is the bargain price Kersten managed to haggle down to, turning this Tesla into a treasure trove of potential content and a testament to the durability of electric vehicles.
The 2017 Model S 90D, despite its voluminous odometer reading, was initially listed at a seemingly steep £13,700 (about $17,225). However, Kersten's negotiations brought it down to a jaw-dropping £8,900 ($11,900), pushing the boundaries of what we might expect value-wise from such a seasoned traveler. This transaction highlights a broader narrative within the EV community about the resilience of electric cars and their components over lengthy periods and extensive use.
The High-Mileage Hero
In Europe, the Tesla Model S has carved out a niche as a dependable workhorse, particularly in taxi fleets across the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. These cars have often surpassed the 450,000-mile mark, a testament to their durability and the robustness of their technology. However, not all is perfect, as Kersten's Model S came with its fair share of wear and tear, including a nonfunctional headlight, water ingress in a taillight, and a leaky shock absorber. Yet, despite these flaws, the car's interior remained remarkably pristine.
The car's high mileage is usually a death knell for combustion engine vehicles but seems to be merely a rite of passage for many Teslas, with some units undergoing multiple battery pack and motor replacements. This longevity upends traditional car ownership paradigms, especially when considering the cost-effectiveness of such a purchase compared to the price for Tesla's Full Self-Driving program access.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
Regarding the Tesla Model S's endurance, speculation abounds about how many miles it can still cover on a full charge, its battery health, and its overall mechanical integrity. Despite Kersten's silence on these details, the community is hopeful for a comprehensive breakdown that could shed light on the resilience of Tesla's engineering. The intrigue surrounding high-mileage Teslas is not unfounded, as evidenced by a Model S that has clocked over 1.2 million miles through 14 motors and four battery packs.
This narrative does not merely highlight a high-mileage electric vehicle but underscores the potential of electric propulsion systems over traditional internal combustion engines. The Tesla Model S's journey from a daily workhorse to a high-mileage hero exemplifies the evolving narratives surrounding vehicle longevity, electric vehicle viability, and the shifting paradigms of automotive durability.