Is the Tesla Model Y the best used SUV money can buy?

Switzerland loves the Model Y: in 2022, 2023 and 2024, it is the best-selling car in this country, and 2025 looks set to be another victory. And we in Switzerland are not the only ones, because in 2023 it was even the best-selling car in the world. Not electric car. CAR. Crazy. But no wonder: customers recognise quality.

Past sales figures are great news for anyone who wants to buy a used Model Y now. Hundreds of Model Ys are already available as used cars at great prices – and more are coming all the time.

First things first: as a used car, the Tesla Model Y probably offers the best value for money of any SUV. With over-the-air updates, solid and durable battery technology, and low wear and tear even after hundreds of thousands of kilometres, you get a reliable, spacious and advanced all-rounder at a very attractive price.

Gowago gives you an overview: what should you know before buying or leasing a used Tesla Model Y? Let's go.

Discover Model Y used cars from Gowago

You have questions. We have answers.

• In Short: How good is a Tesla Model Y as a used car?
• Is the Tesla Model Y a good car?
• Does the quality of a Tesla Model Y decline as a used car?
• How do the battery and range hold up in a used Model Y?
• How much servicing does a used Model Y need?
• What should you pay attention to when buying a used Model Y?
• How much does a used Tesla Model Y cost?
• Where can I buy or lease a used Tesla Model Y?
• Conclusion: The Model Y is also the perfect electric SUV as a used car

In Short: How good is a Tesla Model Y as a used car?

Very good.

The Model Y is already one of the best SUVs as a new car, clearly outperforming the competition, whether with combustion engines or electric drives. Thanks to its long-lasting quality, it also impresses as a used car:

• The most popular SUV in Switzerland: Even as a new car, the Model Y was one of the highest-rated SUVs and the best-selling car in Switzerland. It maintains this level of popularity as a used car.
• Long-lasting battery: After 100,000 kilometres, it still has a range of approx. 480 kilometres. Even after 300,000 kilometres, it still has a range of 400 to 450 kilometres.
• Low maintenance costs: Few wear parts, low maintenance costs, hardly any visits to the garage.
• Robust quality and workmanship: All Model Ys in Switzerland have been built at the Gigafactory Berlin since 2022. This means durable workmanship.
• Software stays up to date: Over-the-air updates are upgrades – even a used Model Y feels like a new car.
• Impressive power, right from the start: From 0–100 km/h in 3.5–6.8 seconds, depending on the version.
• Space for almost everything: Up to 2,158 litres of boot space plus 117 litres in the frunk.
• Same car, lower price: Used Model Ys are often 30–50% cheaper than new versions of the Model Y. But because Teslas hardly age at all, you get a de facto new car at a really attractive price.

With a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Tesla Model Y, you get all these benefits, plus a comprehensive safety package:

• All our used cars are thoroughly inspected by independent professionals.
• All our used electric cars come with an official battery certificate.
• All cars come with a comprehensive warranty for at least 12 months.
• All Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Teslas come with at least a 3-year battery warranty.

At Gowago, you can find your used Tesla Model Y easily, safely and with proven quality.

Find your Model Y

Is the Tesla Model Y a good car?

In a word? Yes.

After all, its global success is no coincidence. The Model Y excels as an SUV in every respect. Below, we provide an overview of the Model Y. If you just want to know how it performs as a used car, click here.

Everyday practicality of the Tesla Model Y:

The Model Y is a versatile crossover SUV. It is not too big to manoeuvre in the city. Even tight parking spaces are no problem. At the same time, the interior offers plenty of space. Four people plus luggage can be easily accommodated.

‘The Model Y impresses with its clever space management. Not bulky on the outside, spacious and airy on the inside.’

Without folding down the rear seats, the boot offers 854 litres of storage space. If you leave the two passengers in the back seat at the roadside and fold down the seats, you get a whopping 2158 litres of storage space. And the frunk offers another 117 litres. Whether you're a skier, golfer, kitesurfer or road tripper, your luggage will fit in the Model Y.

No matter what your hobby is or what you need to transport, there's room for it in the Model Y. And in most cases, you don't even have to fold down the back seat. So you'll never be faced with the decision: should I take the children or the golf clubs on holiday?

Interior of the Model Y

The interior is not spartan, but focused and tidy. There are no complicated and confusing button layouts here, just an intuitive central screen that controls all functions. There is also plenty of storage space for small items, plus charging areas for your mobile phone.

‘Tidy, airy, comfortable. The Model Y confirms that less can be more.’

It's comfortable too. The vegan leather seats keep you in place when cornering, but also offer plenty of comfort on long journeys. Seat heating and ventilation are standard on the Long Range and Performance models. There is also a heated steering wheel to keep your fingers warm in winter.

Technology in the Model Y

Tesla does not see itself primarily as a car manufacturer, but as a tech company. This is noticeable.

All functions in a Tesla can be controlled via the central screen. The system is fast, smooth and very intuitive. Nevertheless, some may find the switch from physical buttons to the screen takes some getting used to. But you'll quickly get used to it – and then you'll never want anything else.

‘Tesla develops features that make your life so much easier. Dog Mode, Sentry Mode, Full Self-Driving (FSD) – all practical, clever and advanced.’

Then there's the autopilot: lane assist and adaptive cruise control in the standard version; automatic lane change, automatic parking and summon function in the Enhanced Autopilot. If you also purchase Full Self-Driving (FSD), according to Tesla, you will soon no longer even have to drive yourself: your Tesla could be completely autonomous.

This will become especially cool as soon as autonomous driving is effectively permitted in Switzerland – but that's not far off. Since March 2025, autonomous driving with constant monitoring (known as Level 3) has been theoretically permitted on motorways. You just have to be able to intervene and take control at any time.

Tesla releases features you need – without knowing you need them:

• The Tesla app: With the Tesla app, you can control a variety of your Model Y's features from anywhere in the world. Unlock, lock, preheat your car, access cameras, check the charge level – all from your smartphone.

• Sentry Mode: Access the cameras at any time with your Tesla app. Everything around the car is also monitored. If someone damages your car, you always have video evidence.

• Dog Mode: Leave your dog in the car without worrying about the heat. Your Tesla will air-condition to the perfect temperature while you are away. The screen will display the interior temperature and the message ‘My owner will be back soon. Don't worry, I'm fine’ so that no one mistakenly tries to rescue your dog.

• ‘Child Left Behind Detection’: If you ever want to leave your child in the car, your car will automatically air-condition itself to prevent heatstroke or freezing. The Tesla app will also send you a message that your child is still in the car – in case you ever forget your child 😬.
  
  

Our experience at Gowago

‘Man, it's so handy, especially the dog mode,’ says one of our Tesla-driving employees who brings his dog to the office every day. ‘In summer, when I just want to pop out to buy something, I can simply leave her (my dog) in the car.’ Our Tesla drivers love that they can preheat the car in winter or pre-cool it in summer using the app. No more scraping ice, and no more getting into a sauna.

I personally drive a Fiat. In winter, I can see my breath in the car in the morning because it's so cold – and my fingers almost freeze after scraping the ice off. And on hot days, the little Fiat 500 Abarth turns into a mini oven with a low-temperature cooking function. Every time I shiver or sweat drips from my nose, I get annoyed. Well, maybe my next car will be a Tesla.

Driving experience and dynamics

The Model Y drives surprisingly dynamically and sportily for an SUV. First of all, the power of the electric motor is enormous – even the standard Model Y goes from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds, and the Performance model in 3.5 seconds. The Model Y also handles well in corners thanks to its independent suspension. This is really fun on mountain roads.

‘Sporty driving with all the advantages of an SUV. The Model Y manages this balancing act better than its competitors.’

However, the suspension can also feel nervous and relatively hard, especially in the Performance version, where the chassis is even stiffer and the rims are larger. But you know what? In Switzerland, most roads are so good that you won't really notice this. Abroad, especially in France and Italy, it could be a little bumpier from time to time. But Tesla has made improvements in this area: from 2023 onwards, all Model Ys will have more comfortable suspension.

The Model Y as a used car

Does the quality of a Tesla Model Y decline as a used car?

The Model Y is the perfect SUV. Some things, such as the interior design and the screen on the centre console, are a matter of taste. But there is simply no denying that the price-performance ratio is remarkable, even for a new car.

All the advantages of a new Model Y remain the same with a used Model Y.

Basically, a Model Y ages very well. On the one hand, it requires little servicing and repairs. On the other hand, the Model Y is well-made and durable.

The interior of a used Model Y

Because the interior of the Tesla Model Y is so simple, there is less that can break or become worn. The vegan leather holds up well. No buttons means no stress about anything starting to squeak, breaking or getting greasy from constant touching. The steering wheels, which are also kept simple, simply do not age.

Myth: A used Model Y squeaks and creaks loudly.

In reality, this is no more of a problem than with other, significantly more expensive cars.

You may have heard that used Teslas, especially the Model Y, start to squeak and creak after around 60,000 kilometres, especially when it's cold.

This was mainly a problem with Model Ys built before 2022 – these were still manufactured in the USA and were not quite as high quality. However, since 2022, all Model Ys available in Switzerland have been assembled at the Gigafactory in Berlin, where production quality is significantly higher.

"Creaking and squeaking in the interior has never been a serious problem. And since production began in Berlin in 2022 and the suspension was improved in 2023, it hardly ever happens anymore."

And thanks to Tesla's suspension and spring update starting with the 2023 model year, creaking is really no longer a problem. The other quality issues that you often hear about in online forums or ‘regulars' table discussions’ have also disappeared with production in Berlin.

The Berlin Gigafactory has perfected the durability and workmanship of the Model Y:

• More stable body, better paint quality
• Improved seals (especially on doors and windows)
• Quieter interior, less rattling
• Noticeably higher-quality materials

In independent endurance tests (e.g. auto motor und sport, ADAC, TCS), only minimal quality issues were found in models from Germany after more than 80,000 kilometres. Minor issues such as a door seal that causes wind noise or isolated noises do not change the fact that the Model Y offers great value for money as a used car.

All Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Model Ys were manufactured after 2022, and many even after 2023. This means that none of our Model Ys have the old quality issues. All of them come from Berlin and many have the newer, more comfortable suspension.

Discover your Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Tesla

The software: A Tesla Model Y does not age. It continues to evolve.

Over-the-air updates are the real party trick of a Tesla. With these updates, or upgrades, the car is always up to date.

How it works: You get into the car and something is different. Better. Because an update has been installed. Free of charge. And without you having to drive to the garage.

‘A Model Y constantly receives clever updates and upgrades that are easily installed wirelessly, keeping the car up to date. That's what makes Tesla irresistible.’

Tesla is constantly releasing improvements that are installed wirelessly ‘over the air’. This makes even a 3-year-old Model Y feel like new. The updates not only affect minor details in the system, but can also improve driving dynamics, suspension, or even power. No other manufacturer offers such updates on this scale. Above all, without having to go to the garage.

A 2023 Model Y would have received or will soon receive these exciting updates in recent years:

• Coming soon: AI integration: You will soon be able to talk directly to Grok, xAI's intelligent assistant, in your car.
• Child in Car Detection: If an unattended child is detected in the Tesla, the car will automatically activate warning signals (lights, sound, app notification) until you return and take them with you.
• Supercharger Live Status: With this update, you can track the status of your car's charging live on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Alternative route planner: With this update, you can choose between different route options. Take either the fastest route, one with as few charging stops as possible, or one with stops near attractions or highly rated restaurants.
• Location-based boot opening: Do you have a garage with a low ceiling? You can now set your boot to not open fully at home so you don't scratch the tailgate.
• FSD (Full Self-Driving, supervised) v13.2.9: New end-to-end upgrade of the driving network with faster processing, better route planning and optimised collision avoidance, soon to be available in Switzerland. Also included: automated parking and summon function as part of Enhanced Autopilot.

All of these updates were automatically installed in Teslas last year alone. Useful, advanced, and free. This means that even a Model Y with thousands of kilometres on the clock can keep up with the latest Teslas in terms of technology.

At Gowago, you can get your used Tesla Model Y easily, securely and with proven quality.
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🟣 Gowago Certified Pre-Owned: First-hand, inspected Teslas with battery warranty and battery certificate.

To the Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Teslas

How do the battery and range hold up in a used Model Y?

Even after 100,000 km, a Model Y still has around 90-95% of its original range. For a Model Y Long Range, that still means a range of 480 km.

With the range of a used Model Y, you can drive non-stop from Zurich City to:

• Portofino, Italy (451 km): Riviera, sun and Aperol Spritz.
• Ischgl, Austria (234 km): skiing, sledging, and après-ski.
• Munich, Germany (310 km): cheese spaetzle, history, and Oktoberfest.
• Dijon, France (338 km): wine tasting, mustard, and art.
• As well as all destinations in Switzerland!

In fact, a Model Y loses only 15-20% of its battery capacity within 300,000 km. Whether Long Range, Performance, or Standard. With a used Tesla Model Y, 99% of offers will still have at least 400 km WLTP range.

And keep in mind: 300,000 km is an extremely high mileage for a used car. With a petrol car with that many kilometres, you would have to be prepared for many repairs and problems. But with an electric car, and especially with a Tesla, there is no need to worry.

Does the battery of a used Model Y need to be replaced?

No.

Tesla batteries are very durable and can easily last 300,000 kilometres or more. Battery replacement is rarely necessary. Only if the battery has been damaged, for example in an accident, or if its performance has deteriorated to such an extent that it is no longer suitable for everyday use, would a battery need to be replaced.

Discover Model Ys from Gowago now

How much servicing does a used Model Y need?

Tesla deliberately focuses on functional simplicity – and that pays off when it comes to used cars: less complex mechanics mean there is less that can break down.

As an electric car, the Model Y has an advantage over a petrol car in that it has fewer moving parts in the drive system. Fewer parts also means lower service and repair costs. A Tesla Model Y has no timing belt, no clutch or gearbox, no exhaust…

"All the parts that regularly cause problems in combustion engines are not found in a Tesla Model Y. For you, that means fewer visits to the garage. Lower costs. More fun with your car."

This makes a Model Y a low-cost used car that is easy to maintain and care for on a daily basis. Tesla has long maintenance intervals. This means that your Model Y will rarely need to be serviced:

This means that you only need to visit the Tesla Service Centre once every 2 years at most. The Tesla app will notify you as soon as a service is required. You can then make an appointment directly in the app and pay for the service in the app as well. This saves you time and effort.

It gets even better: For minor service work, you can book a ‘mobile service appointment’ – this means that a Tesla technician will come directly to an agreed location where you have parked your car and carry out the service work there. So you don't even have to drive to the Tesla location.

According to the Tesla website, you simply need to use the app to let the technician know how to get to the car. Pets must also be kept away… After all, we want to avoid any incidents with your guard cat.

Our experience at Gowago:

We have quite a few Teslas on our fleet. And they all agree: you hardly ever have to take your car to the garage, even after you've had your Tesla for several years. Our CXO reports that in recent years he has only had to replace the windscreen wiper blades and the HEPA filter – in other words, standard servicing.

Brakes are also never necessary because of recuperation: ‘Just press the brakes a little harder every now and then to remove rust from the brakes, and otherwise I never really use the foot brake.’ This means that the brakes wear less and rarely need to be replaced.

Service and maintenance, easily via the Tesla app.

The great thing about a Tesla is that you can control and check many aspects of your Tesla via the app. The same applies to servicing and repairs.

For example, if your car needs a new cabin filter, you will receive a message from your app. The app will immediately show you the price of the replacement. You can then accept the repair and select a service appointment. Once the service has been carried out, you can pay directly via the app using your credit card. Done.

No phone calls. No price negotiations. No unwanted, expensive additional repairs.

Even if you have caused the damage yourself: simply send a photo of the damage via the app, wait for the cost estimate, accept it, select an appointment and you're done. The only exception to this service is bodywork damage.

What should you pay attention to when buying a used Model Y?

As with any used car, it's worth taking a closer look when buying a used Model Y. Keep the following points in mind if you want to buy a used Model Y.

Prone to scratches: the Uberturbine rims on the Model Y. When purchasing your used Model Y, check whether the rims are scratched and document this in the handover report.

Only a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Model Y is a good Model Y

Our Tesla Model Y used cars meet all your criteria. They all undergo a comprehensive inspection by independent professionals who document the condition of the car. In addition, you always receive a battery certificate that shows you the condition of the battery. And for complete peace of mind, you also receive at least a 3-year battery warranty and a further 12-month warranty on the entire car.

That's how safe it is at Gowago, the largest dealer of used Teslas in Switzerland. Let's Go.

How much does a used Tesla Model Y cost?

Buying a used Tesla Model Y is a smart move. Very smart. Because you get a car that doesn't age – and even gets better technologically thanks to over-the-air updates – at a lower price.

How affordable and advantageous are the prices of a used Model Y?

These are just a few example prices for offers available on Gowago (as of November 2025). New attractive offers are added to our platform every day. See all of our Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Model Ys.

The initial depreciation of a Model Y is a major advantage for you as a used car buyer, especially with the Model Y Performance: you get to drive a car that cost more than £60,000 new and has as much horsepower as a Ferrari for £324 a month. It's a no-brainer, right? And for an electric car, 60,000 kilometres is really not much mileage.

Where can I buy or lease a used Tesla Model Y?

At Gowago, of course!

Gowago is Tesla's official leasing partner in Switzerland. All Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Teslas are first-hand Gowago lease returns. This means we know exactly what the car's history is and what condition it's in. What's more:

• At least a 3-year warranty on the battery and drive system.

• At least 12 months on the rest of the car.

• An official battery certificate.
  
  

Conclusion: The Model Y is also the perfect electric SUV as a used car

A used Tesla Model Y is – without exaggeration – one of the smartest car purchases you can make in Switzerland today.

You get a modern SUV with the efficiency and power of an electric car at an attractive price. With the Tesla Model Y, service and maintenance costs remain low and you get the benefits of the brilliant Tesla system: Tesla app, over-the-air updates, great and intuitive features – all included even with a used car.

And it's not just buying a Model Y that's easy on your budget. Electric driving is simply cheaper, especially if you charge at home. Don't believe us? Then let our blog about electric car myths convince you.

The quality of the models produced in Berlin is outstanding and durable. Even after hundreds of thousands of kilometres, the battery still delivers around 80% of its original range – that means 400 kilometres and counting. And with Gowago Certified Pre-Owned, you also get tested quality, a battery certificate and a battery warranty.

Let's Go.

Find your Model Y