Tesla is not only topping the charts when it comes to new vehicle sales around the world, it is also seeing a huge increase in the number of people seeking out a used Tesla as their next purchase.
According to an analysis of search terms in the month of August by Honcho, Tesla was the fastest growing automotive brand among those looking for a used car. In total, there were 30,820 internet searches involving Tesla in August, a 98% increase from the previous month.
Despite Tesla having no advertising budget, and instead using that money to make their vehicles better, the automaker is still a well-known brand among used car buyers, according to Honcho analyst Telson Thomas.
“With Tesla still an emergent carmaker, the results show the strength of its brand equity among buyers considering purchasing a used electric car and using the carmaker’s name as their starting point.”
If you’re looking to buy a used Tesla in Canada, it is important to remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There has been a recent spike in the number of ads appearing online which appear to use a similar background for the photos, but come from different sellers.
Over the last several months I've often noticed Tesla listings in the @autoTRADER_ca that are clearly some sort of scam. The contact info is always different but the pattern is similar photo style and a price too good to be true. Anyone know what the scam is? Bait & switch? pic.twitter.com/ZPpykC3nbf
— teslainvernon (@teslainvernon) September 7, 2020
In all cases, the prices are well below market value, and different ads use the same VINs. The scam is likely similar to the apartment rental scams that plague online marketplaces in which the sellers will ask potential buyers to place a deposit in order to view the vehicle, but will quickly disappear once the money is received.
If you want to stay away from third-party sellers, you can also purchase a used Tesla directly from the automaker. While you can check Tesla’s website for used cars, its not very easy to view inventory outside of your local area. That’s where this third-party site comes in, which lists the inventory across Canada for both new and certified pre-owned (CPO, aka used) Tesla vehicles, with all the details about the car like year, price, mileage, condition, and more.
Have you purchased a used Tesla? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Source: AM Online
