Dealer visit checklist
2021 Tesla Model Y checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2021 Tesla Model Y problems to check
- Panel gaps and inconsistent body panel fitment are a frequently reported quality-control issue on 2021 builds, often requiring dealer adjustments
- Heat pump failures or reduced cold-weather range efficiency have been noted in sub-freezing climates, sometimes requiring a warranty or out-of-pocket heat pump service
- Autopilot and Full Self-Driving camera calibration errors can trigger warning lights and require service center recalibration visits
- Trunk and frunk latch mechanisms have been reported to stick or misalign, occasionally needing adjustment or replacement
- 12V battery failures (the auxiliary lead-acid battery) can strand the vehicle and typically run $100-$150 to replace, often occurring around the 3-4 year mark
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- SUSPENSION: Tesla, Inc.
- SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR: Tesla, Inc.
- SEAT BELTS: Tesla, Inc.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: Tesla, Inc.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Tesla, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $34,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away