A YouTube presenter tested an 11-year-old Tesla Model S P85D with more than 257,000 kilometres on the odometer in 2026 to see whether buying the used electric vehicle still makes sense.
The reviewer admitted that he initially expected to feel behind the wheel of a true rarity next to modern electric cars, but he reported that its performance on the road was a pleasant surprise. The current owner purchased the 2015 vehicle for 21,000 euros, representing a major discount from its original price tag of around 138,000 euros. The presenter emphasized that ten years ago this model was the most expensive electric car available.
What impressed the blogger most was the condition of the battery, which remained remarkably well preserved despite its age and high mileage. According to data displayed on the Tesla application, the battery has retained 86 percent of its initial capacity. The author stated that on a full charge, the vehicle still confidently covers nearly 300 kilometres, calling it a very respectable result for an electric car with such an extensive service record. The presenter tested acceleration dynamics himself by stomping hard on the accelerator pedal, concluding that the car remained genuinely fast.
Technical issues and financial savings
The reviewer also pointed out several technical nuances, noting that the primary complaints relate to the air suspension system, which has its own unpredictable character. According to the owner, the front section of the car sags slightly if the vehicle remains parked in place for long periods. The blogger explained that this is caused by a minor leak in the system, along with minor issues such as a finicky soft-closing trunk lid mechanism.
The presenter identified lifetime free charging on the Tesla Supercharger network as another significant advantage. This bonus remains attached to the vehicle itself rather than its first owner. According to the blogger's calculations, this feature allowed the previous owner to save nearly 6,000 euros on energy costs. Having driven many electric cars, the presenter stressed that while all modern electric vehicles are great, this older Model S does not feel hopelessly outdated. He concluded that despite its age and mileage, the car remains a worthy choice for its price.
Tesla Motors introduced the Model S P85D performance sedan in late 2014, equipping it with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The American carmaker launched the original Model S line in 2012, helping spark global adoption of high-performance electric passenger vehicles. Early buyers of top-tier Model S trims received free lifetime access to Supercharger fast-charging stations across North America and Europe. Air suspension systems use compressed air springs to deliver a smoother ride, though pneumatic seals can develop slow leaks over extended years of use.
Tesla lifespan and scrapping statistics
The review follows earlier reporting that Tesla electric cars in Norway are scrapped on average after just six to seven years of operation. That service life is substantially shorter than traditional petrol-powered models such as Mercedes vehicles, which are typically scrapped after 20 years on the road.
The Model S holds up best among Tesla models. Data shows that 281 Model S vehicles were sent to Norwegian scrapyards in 2025, reaching an average age of 9.7 years at the time of disposal. Norway remains one of the world's leading electric vehicle markets due to heavy tax exemptions and subsidies for zero-emission driving.
