Dealer visit checklist
2022 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 2022 Tesla Model Y problems to check
- Panel gaps and paint inconsistencies reported at delivery — inspect thoroughly before accepting
- Suspension clunks and rattles, particularly from the front subframe area, reported across multiple model year units
- Rear-view camera delays or freezes on startup, often resolved via software update
- Heat pump issues in very cold climates leading to reduced range and occasional HVAC errors
- Phantom braking events in Autopilot mode remain an occasional concern flagged by NHTSA
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- SUSPENSION: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Tesla, Inc.
- VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS: Tesla, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $52,000 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