Have you ever tried looking for a used Tesla? One moment it’s lying just in front of you, and the next you’re staring at carpet. It’s about as predictable as a cat in a sunbeam. While you were refreshing your browser, you might have your eye on a sporty red Model 3, only to discover that someone across the city had already taken it. The nice ones disappear when you blink. A little circus-like, but that’s half the fun.

All used Teslas have unique personalities and sometimes a few surprises. Some contain inside components that squeak or rattle like windows in a haunted house, even though they appear perfect in photos. Some people have maintenance records that make you want to shake hands with the vendor. It’s interesting—and perhaps a little annoying—because of the peculiarities.

Everyone talks about batteries, so let’s do that. Teslas are not the same as the vehicle your granddad owned. Because of the electronic heart, battery health—rather than the odometer—is the main attraction. The iconic fast charger, charging habits, and climate can all affect how charged that battery feels. Over time, the range of many cars has decreased by a few miles. Asking the seller if they suffered freezing winters, how frequently they charged to 100%, or whether they just commuted five miles each day to a peaceful office park is worthwhile.

Perhaps someone’s pride and joy was their used Tesla. This entails meticulous car washing, cautious parking, and possibly even a really stylish vinyl wrap. However, it’s possible that the dealership quick-flip has enigmatic dents or software functions that stopped working when the prior owner left. Verify everything again, including the Autopilot functions, keyless entry, and heated seats. Teslas are electronic devices. If you don’t ask the correct questions, you may occasionally lose access to paid software options.

The range of trims and colors is an entirely different experience. You might encounter a Model Y that appears to have lived its entire existence in a garage, or you might pull up next to a Model S with cream-white upholstery and glittering blue paint. Every choice has advantages and disadvantages. White seats and children? You need to have courage.

Let’s not omit the documentation. Details about registration and warranties often become confused. Never hesitate to request service slips and receipts. Inquire about the wall connector and charging cord; some dealers overlook how important these are to consumers, and attempting to purchase a new one later is like buying olive oil in gold bars.

Taking a test drive in a used Tesla is really enlightening. These vehicles can speed past stoplights thanks to their quiet roads, quick acceleration, and immediate torque, but they also exhibit peculiarities when driving in urban areas. Sometimes it’s an adventure, and other times it’s a puzzle. Remember that all those screens and magic are there for you to push and prod, take your time behind the wheel, and check the regenerative brakes.

It all boils down to timing, research, and a little bit of luck when looking for a secondhand Tesla. It’s a hybrid of bartering at a flea market, where every automobile has a story to tell if you know how to ask, and finding a four-leaf clover. Bring a friend who knows a lot about cars. Inquire about the minor details. And know that you’ve just entered a club with its own set of rules, jokes, and unanticipated battery warnings if you do drive off in that ideal vehicle.