Electric Cars: Buying a Nine year old Tesla and loving it

Leo, a self-proclaimed Tesla fanboy, made a surprising pivot from electric to petrol—and then back again—only to end up buying a nearly 10-year-old Tesla Model S 75D in 2026. Despite the car’s age, he’s confident in its performance, battery health (still at 350km range after 10 years), and long-term value. His story underscores a growing trend: secondhand Teslas are becoming a smarter financial and practical choice than new EVs from newer brands. He’s not alone—Piment and Phil both chose Teslas for their proven resale, strong charging networks, and long-term reliability, even as they acknowledge the risks of newer brands like Kia and BYD. The episode reveals a deeper truth: in the EV market, longevity and trust in brand infrastructure matter more than cutting-edge features. The real question isn’t just ‘what car should I buy?’ but ‘what car will still be worth something in five years?’ And for many, the answer is a used Tesla. The conversation also exposes a critical gap in the new EV market: after-sales service. Colin’s experience with BYD—nine months waiting for a wireless charging pad replacement—highlights how new brands struggle with parts supply and service networks. Meanwhile, Tesla’s ecosystem, even for older models, remains robust. The hosts argue that a brand’s true quality isn’t just in the car you buy, but in how they treat you after the sale.