Think of buying a Tesla, but those new prices send you running for the fainting couch? Tracking down a “Used Tesla For sale” might just be your key to electric luxury without setting your wallet on fire. But how does one negotiate the maze of pre-owned Teslas and emerge victorious with a secret gem? Alright, let’s break the enigma à la Sherlock Holmes on caffeine.

Picture this: A friend once managed to stumble upon a Tesla as new as mint at a price that even the tightest of purses would let go with. How? By digging into the unseen ads and asking questions to the tune of Columbo. First, always dig for details. Mileage is king in the used car market. A low-mile Model S could be your chariot of choice without feeling like it’s been through the chariot races of ancient Rome.

Tesla is as regular with their software updates as your aunt with the cat videos on Facebook. Make sure the previous owner is not sleeping on the switch, missing important updates. These updates will make the improvement in the handling of your car go from roller skates to ice dancers. So, go ahead, ask around, and don’t be bashful-it’s your money.

Missing keys aren’t lost relics from ancient civilizations, are they? But finding one sock less in the wash-a used Tesla without one of its keys-is quite another story. Check for all accessories: charging cables, adapters, and so on. You really don’t want to be in a situation where you need to juice up your ride and find that those are missing. Not today!

Another gold tip: try finding the models that are just off-lease. They’re usually three years young and still in good shape. People that lease tend to treat them like some sort of coveted pets-being very careful not to scratch the floors and changing the litter box religiously.