Model S

10 Things to Know Before Buying Tesla Model S in Hong Kong

Based on real owner experiences and reviews

1. 01

   Used Model S prices in Hong Kong range from HK$40,000 to $90,000 depending on condition and mileage. A 2016 Model S 70D with 45,000km is worth roughly HK$50,000. The cheapest high-mileage examples can go for as little as HK$10,000.

2. 02

   Tesla can remotely remove Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features from a used Model S after it changes hands. Verify the software entitlements are tied to the car, not the previous owner's account, before purchasing.

3. 03

   The three most common issues on older Model S cars are suspension failure, touchscreen yellowing or fluid leakage, and retractable door handle malfunctions. Budget for these when buying used.

4. 04

   A large number of used Model S cars in HK are ex-Uber or ride-hailing vehicles with 200,000 to 300,000km on the odometer. Over 70% of Uber rides in HK are reportedly in a Model S. Check the car's history carefully before buying.

5. 05

   Before buying a used Model S, confirm three things: whether your home or office parking has EV charging, whether the car still has Supercharger access, and whether the previous owner includes the Type 2 and 13A charging cables. Get an independent inspection for collision damage and repaint.

6. 06

   Tesla has stopped producing right-hand drive Model S since 2023, and the entire Model S/X line is scheduled to end production in Q2 2026. No new units are available in HK. The car is now a used-only proposition.

7. 07

   Real-world range on a pre-facelift Model S with a degraded battery is around 200km or less per full charge. Phantom drain overnight can cost several percent of battery. Firmware updates can further reduce performance on older battery packs.

8. 08

   The pre-facelift Model S infotainment screen is noticeably slow and unresponsive compared to the Model 3. The hardware was cutting-edge at launch but has not aged well.

9. 09

   Most used Model S cars in HK come with free lifetime Supercharging, which is the main reason owners hold onto them. Charging is significantly slower than newer Tesla models, so expect longer stops at Supercharger stations.

10. 10

    Cross-border repairs in Zhuhai or Shenzhen are common for Model S owners. Expect to spend HK$30,000 to $100,000 on repairs depending on severity. Third-party battery work typically uses refurbished mainland parts rather than new Tesla components.