Tesla For Sale: A Complete UK Buyers Guide 2023

• by Kris Cook
• September 23, 2021
• 14 min read

Tesla is at the top of the mountain as far as EVs are concerned to a lot of people — this includes those from the UK. How else could you explain the number of ‘Tesla for sale’ or ‘Tesla cars for sale’ searches in Google?

The demand is there, and it’s growing by the day as we step closer to an all-electric future.

The American automaker has built an empire in just under 20 years. It’s impossible to search for anything EV-related without coming across Elon Musk’s company, and with good reason.

Tesla’s vehicles are known for being the best from a performance point of view. They are drastically different to the combustion-engined cars of old.

Today we’re providing you with a complete UK guide for buying a Tesla — or, more specifically, the models in its lineup (i.e. Model S, Model 3, etc.).

We’ll also be looking at the used Tesla market, which happens to be a great way of owning one of these vehicles, minus the premium.

Consider this essential reading if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of owning a Tesla or have ever searched for ‘Tesla price UK’ in your favourite search engine.

We’re covering it all.

Tesla’s stock continues to grow in the UK

Why Buy A Tesla In The UK?

The sales of electric vehicles as a whole are growing at a steady pace in the UK.

As of August of this year, there were more than 600,000 plug-in vehicles and nearly 300,000 all-electric types on the road.

Take a guess at which are the most popular BEVs in the market.

Spoilers: It’s the Model 3 and the Model X, two fantastic offerings in the sustainable vehicle segment (more on these EVs later).

Let’s not forget either; the transport sector will ditch non-electric types as early as 2030 (2035 for hybrids).

People will look to car brands like Tesla when this happens. After all, they already have a head start when it comes to all-electric vehicles.

Tesla doesn’t do hybrids; they’ve been a pure-electric company since the very beginning, with the release of its first Roadster back in 2008.

The company has come a really long way since then, giving environmentally-conscious buyers a lot to pick and choose from (depending on their own wants/needs).

You no longer need to settle for less.

Also, let’s face it.

The experience of driving a Tesla trumps every other vehicle, in our opinion.

This isn’t hyperbole either; ask any Tesla owner, and they’ll tell you the same thing.

Here is a quick rundown of all the benefits of owning a Tesla in the UK:

• Performance Driven: Tesla’s offer unbelievable torque and can accelerate faster than most EVs
• Zero Emissions: All Tesla’s emit zero emissions as these EVs are all-electric types, meaning they don’t require harmful fuel to run.
• Cost-Effective: Driving in a Tesla in the longterm will save you money compared to conventional petrol/upkeep costs.
• Quality Control: Tesla’s are just built different

Tesla Cars For Sale: Where Can I Buy One?

You might have noticed, but Tesla rarely takes the dealership route to sell its line of electric vehicles.

Sure it has its own in-person showrooms scattered across the UK, but they tend to play by their own rules, in case you don’t already know.

There are only a handful of Tesla stores in the UK at the moment, although we expect more of them to appear in the next few years, given the government’s EV ruling.

Tesla would rather you buy directly from its site anyway.

Buying online certainly has its benefits in that you can configure your own vehicle right then and there. Also, the site does a standup job in generating what your Tesla will look like!

Visiting one of its stores does allow you to talk to the Tesla professionals right then and there if you have any questions. Still, the site does a decent job in covering all bases through FAQ sections.

In short, finding a Tesla for sale is as easy as heading to the website. You can also buy a used Tesla through the site.

Buying A Used Tesla Saves Money

Tesla has released multiple iterations of its vehicles over the years.

For example, since arriving in the UK in 2014, the Model S has been updated countless times. But what happens to older versions of these cars?

That’s easy. They go on the second-hand market.

We’ve covered buying second hand or used electric cars in the past here at E4TP. Still, we’ll provide you with a refresher since it’s Tesla we’re talking about.

Countless used electric car sites are stocked with Tesla vehicles, ranging from the 2020 Model 3 to the 2019 Model S.

Remember: Tesla’s used inventory is a great place to start if you’re somewhat sceptical about the quality of buying through another site/seller.

How much does a used Tesla cost exactly?

The answer to this question will depend on the version of the car, its trim, and any additional features.

On average, the lowest you’ll pay is around £35,000 for a Model S from 2015.

And then, on the other side of the coin, you have the electric SUV known as the Model X. We’ve seen a used Tesla Model X sell for up to £90,000 on the second-hand market (Long Range version).

Buying a used Tesla has many benefits:

• Cost-Effective x2: Buyers can save hundreds if not thousands of pounds on a Tesla by buying one second-hand.
• Access To Grants: Just because a used Tesla isn’t new doesn’t mean you can’t access the government electric car scheme.

These used Tesla’s won’t be as powerful or as agile as some of its latest models, but you can save a lot of money by taking this route.

Leasing a Tesla is another option if you’re a business, but it can be an expensive process compared to hybrids and other all-electric vehicles.

How Much Is A Tesla UK?

So, we have an idea of how much it costs to buy a used Tesla, but what if you want to buy a new Tesla in the UK?

Understand that price varies from model to model, with the Model X being the more expensive of the three you have available.

You did read that right, yes. Tesla runs a very limited inventory (as you’ll come to learn in our next section).

That being said, new Tesla’s are in the pipeline in the Model Y and Cybertruck. Rumour has it you can reserve the latter next year for a £100 fee.

We should point out that the money is refundable should you change your mind.

On the cheaper end of the scale, you have the Model 3. You can buy the current Model 3 with rear-wheel drive and standard range for £40,990 (before reductions via grants).

If you’re looking for more range (and more power), then expect to pay £59,990 for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version of the popular saloon.

The jump in pricing might seem steep. Still, there is a significant difference in Long Range versions of these vehicles and its Plaid configurations.

For example, the Long Range Model S can cover up to 405 miles on a single charge but pay close to £20,000 more for the tri-motor all-wheel-drive Plaid version, and you’ll notice an instant difference in performance.

Is the extra cost worth it?

You tell us. After all, you’re the buyer in this situation.

To recap, here’s a rundown of Tesla prices in the UK as of September 2023:

• Model 3: £40,990 (Standard Range), £48,490 (Long Range) or £59,990 (Performance)
• Model S: £91,980 (Long Range) or £118,980 (Plaid)
• Model X: £98,980 (Long Range) or £110,980 (Plaid)

Tesla For Sale: Meet The Lineup

We’ve covered the benefits of a used Tesla, identified how much it costs to buy one new, and even took a detour to look at the benefits of owning one in the UK.

Now it’s time to highlight the cars themselves.

We’ll admit it.

Looking at the price of these vehicles alone can be pretty intimidating if you’re only learning how much a Tesla costs in the UK today.

But seeing is believing, and these vehicles wouldn’t be held in such high esteem if they weren’t worth every penny.

Why do you think Tesla is a household name in every country across the globe?

This automaker is a pioneer and has inspired thousands to join its ranks via the cars they drive. Mostly due to the performance of these vehicles and the overall satisfaction one receives when sat behind the wheel.

Power meets sustainability; that’s the Tesla way.

Tesla For Sale: The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla in the UK

Model 3

• Car Type: Four-Door Saloon
• Initial UK Release: 2019
• Top Speed: 162mph (Performance)
• Top Range: 360 miles (Long Range)

Tesla’s Model 3 is easily its most popular to UK buyers/fans as the premium automakers least expensive EV.

As a Tesla, it comes in multiple configurations. The Standard Range is the cheapest, as mentioned, and can travel 278 miles with every charge, hitting speeds of up to 140mph.

In terms of acceleration, it can go from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, according to the automaker.

This version is a rear-wheel-drive type, ideal for some buyers, but if you want more range/power, you’ll need to pay at least £8,500 more to get it.

The Performance version is impressive in its own right (as you should expect), but we believe the Long Range version of the Model 3 to be a dark horse of sorts.

The Model 3 is in many ways an everyday type of electric car in that it boasts optimal speed and range while leaving enough room for the Model S and Model X to dominate in their respective specs.

Many people lease this EV for work purposes, meaning electric range is desired above all else. The Long Range Model 3 gives you 360 miles to play with.

You could cover a lot of ground with that.

E4TP Says: A Tesla for sale like the Model 3 serves as the perfect entry point, given its price point. Is it as strong as other EVs from Tesla? No, and it never needed to be. It’s still a lot better than the best offerings from other automakers occupying the electric car market.

The car that brought Tesla to the dance, the Model S

Model S

• Car Type: Executive Car
• Initial UK Release: 2014
• Top Speed: 200mph (Plaid)
• Top Range: 405 miles (Long Range)

You could call it the flagship, but practically every car from Tesla could lay claim to such a title.

The Model S does, however, hold the title for the electric car with the longest range. A title that the likes of Ford and Volkswagen are forever chasing.

The range of the Model S has increased with every iteration of the vehicle and shows no signs of slowing down.

Then again, what do you expect from a vehicle with 1020 horsepower?

Acceleration wise, the Tesla Model S can go from 0-60mph in 1.99 seconds, which is ludicrous.

It’s really one of those blink and you might miss it types.

Both versions come with all-wheel drive, although the Plaid Model S is the fastest of the two. The Plaid configuration is a sprinter, able to travel 200mph.

Tesla’s Model S comes with Autopilot as standard, offering self-driving capabilities to aware drivers.

The interior is elegant in its own way, too, complete with a 17” user display, wireless and USB-C charging and a 960-watt audio system.

It’s a car that was designed for efficiency both inside and out.

What else is there to say, really?

E4TP Says: A record-breaking/holding car for the modern driver, this Model S will never cease to amaze us. It’s a performance beast and will change everything you thought you knew about electric cars; it’s the pinnacle.

The Model X is the ultimate electric SUV

Model X

• Car Type: Electric SUV
• Initial UK Release: 2016
• Top Speed: 163mph (Plaid)
• Top Range: 360 miles (Long Range)

Last but by no means least, we have the Model X, an all-powerful electric SUV.

As the largest vehicle in the Tesla range, it stands on its own, unlike the other two that are often confused with one another from a visual point of view.

It’s chunkier, yet it still comes with a light interior, perfect for transporting shopping/luggage/bikes, you name it.

The towing capacity of the Model X is also impressive (can tow 5,000lbs).

Unfortunately, the extra weight and increased drag has had a negative effect on the Model X’s range/acceleration. Still, its spec is nothing to be laughed at.

An SUV capable of going from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds is scary no matter which way you cut it.

The front doors can open/close automatically. And let’s not forget about the Falcon Wing Doors for those in the backseat.

You might be wondering why the doors fold up this way, and the answer is simple: maximum utility.

Loading goods into an SUV has never been easier because of these doors.

Just remember to close them properly, or you could end up going viral on YouTube for smashing into a bus.

E4TP Says: The Model X is the ultimate utility vehicle sporting multiple forward-thinking ideas. When looking at Tesla cars for sale, ensure you get a good look at the Model X. It’s hella durable and is deceptively large inside.

The interior of a Tesla is like stepping into another world

Tesla For Sale: A Complete UK Buyers Guide For 2023

As you can see, there are many Tesla cars for sale at the moment if you’re a resident of the UK.

Just remember to keep an eye out for the upcoming Model Y (set to be a real shock to the system) and the notorious Cybertruck.

You’ll be seeing both shortly, with the former (a mid-sized SUV) coming out next year, according to Tesla.

Tesla has also hinted at a £20,000 electric hatch but has yet to make an official announcement.

Owning/driving one of these vehicles summarises how far we’ve come — technologically speaking. It also hints at where we’re going as a society, making the right changes at the right time.

That applies to any used Tesla you buy, too, by the way.

A lot of automakers can walk the walk, but are they Tesla?

We don’t think so.

Keep that in mind when searching for your next car.

Tesla Cars For Sale FAQs

What is the best Tesla car for sale?

In our opinion, the best Tesla car for sale in the UK is the Model S. We say that because it’s a record-holding EV known for maximum range and performance. It’s arguably the catalyst in what brought Tesla to the forefront.

How much does a Tesla cost in the UK?

The cheapest Tesla in the UK is the Model 3, with prices starting from £40,990 up to £59,990 depending on the version you choose. Tesla’s Plaid Model S is the most expensive vehicle in its lineup (up to £118,980).

Where can I buy a used Tesla?

Buying a used Tesla can be as simple as heading to the automaker’s official website and clicking on ‘Used Inventory.’ We’d recommend looking at traditional re-seller sites like AA or Auto Trader for more used Tesla options.

Is a Tesla expensive to insure?

Unfortunately, yes. Tesla’s are more expensive to insure than other luxury cars, sitting in the 48 to 50 group. How much you pay will differ from customer to customer, so your best bet is to get a quote from a dedicated insurance provider to know specifically how much to pay.

Kris Cook

Hey, I’m Kris, a Junior Content Strategist at E4TP. At the moment I live in the world of EVs, keeping up on current trends in the space, and delivering quality content. I’m a creative type both inside and outside of work, in that I write poetry in my spare time, design independent zines, and paint. When I’m not knee deep in any of that, I collect vinyl (my collection has around 150 LPs in it), and enjoy spending time with pals outdoors, mostly on a bike — or in another country.

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