Thinking of buying a used Tesla from Carvana and wondering if it comes with Full Self-Driving (FSD)? You've come to the right place! This can be a bit tricky, as FSD is a software upgrade that doesn't always transfer seamlessly with a used car, and Carvana's listings aren't always explicit. But don't worry, we'll walk you through how to navigate this process and maximize your chances of snagging a Tesla with this highly sought-after feature.
Let's dive in and uncover the FSD status of that Carvana Tesla!
Step 1: Engage with the Carvana Listing - The Initial Inspection
Your journey begins right on the Carvana website. While Carvana's descriptions might not always explicitly state "Full Self-Driving Included," there are clues to look for.
Sub-heading 1.1: Scrutinize the Description and Features List
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Keywords: Look for terms like "Full Self-Driving Capability," "FSD," or "Enhanced Autopilot (EAP)." While EAP is not the full FSD package, it's a significant upgrade that includes some FSD features and makes the FSD subscription cheaper.
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Feature Bullet Points: Carvana often provides a list of key features. Pay close attention to anything that goes beyond basic "Autopilot." Autopilot is standard on all modern Teslas, so if that's all you see, it's a red flag for FSD. Look for mentions of:
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Navigate on Autopilot: This is a key FSD/EAP feature that guides your car on highway ramps and changes lanes.
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Auto Lane Change: The car automatically changes lanes on highways.
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Autopark: The car can parallel or perpendicular park itself.
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Summon/Smart Summon: The car can self-navigate out of a parking spot and even find you in a parking lot.
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Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: This is a definitive FSD feature, allowing the car to slow down and stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
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Sub-heading 1.2: Analyze the Photos for Interior Clues
While not always available, interior photos can be a goldmine. If a photo shows the car's touchscreen, try to zoom in.
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Software Menu: Ideally, you're looking for a photo of the "Software" screen (Controls > Software). If the car has FSD, it will typically state "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included Package" here. If it's a subscription, it might indicate an end date.
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Visualization: If there's a picture of the driving visualization on the screen, a Tesla with FSD will often show more detailed visualizations of surrounding vehicles, traffic cones, and even garbage cans, compared to basic Autopilot. This isn't a definitive sign, as FSD visualizations can also appear with a subscription, but it's a good indicator of the hardware being present.
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| How To Tell If Tesla Has Fsd On Carvana |
Step 2: Reach Out to Carvana - Direct Inquiry is Key
Carvana representatives may not always be experts on specific Tesla software features, but it's always worth asking.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Power of Specific Questions
When you contact Carvana, don't just ask "Does it have FSD?". Be very precise.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
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"Can you confirm if this specific Tesla (provide VIN) has the 'Full Self-Driving Capability' package included?" Emphasize "included" to differentiate it from a subscription.
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"Can you provide a screenshot or photo of the 'Software' screen from the car's display?" This is the single most reliable way to verify FSD. If they can provide this, you're in a strong position.
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"Does the vehicle listing for VIN [VIN] show any mention of features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, or Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control?" Cross-reference their response with the features list you've already examined.
Sub-heading 2.2: Understand Carvana's Limitations
It's important to note that Carvana's internal systems might not explicitly track FSD as a separate, transferable feature. They may not be able to definitively tell you if it's "included for life" or if it's a subscription that will lapse. This is where the next step becomes crucial.
Step 3: Leverage the VIN - The Ultimate Verification Tool (with a Catch)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is your strongest ally, but using it to verify FSD on a used Carvana Tesla has its nuances.
Sub-heading 3.1: Contacting Tesla (Directly)
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The Ideal Scenario: The best-case scenario would be to give the VIN directly to Tesla and have them confirm the FSD status. However, Tesla generally will not provide detailed vehicle information based on a VIN to someone who is not the registered owner. This is a privacy measure.
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Strategic Approach: Some users have had success by calling a Tesla Service Center and explaining they are considering purchasing a used Tesla and want to verify the vehicle's original configuration. Be polite and persistent, but understand they may decline.
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"Debating on buying used from Tesla or Carvana": One suggested approach is to tell the Tesla Service Advisor that you are debating between buying from Tesla's used inventory and Carvana, and you'd like to understand the features associated with the VIN you're considering. This might encourage them to look up the VIN for you.
Sub-heading 3.2: Third-Party VIN Decoders (Limited Utility for FSD)
While there are third-party VIN decoders online, these typically provide basic vehicle specifications (model, year, battery size, original color) and rarely confirm specific software upgrades like FSD. They are more useful for confirming hardware versions (like Autopilot computer hardware 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 4.0), which is important for FSD eligibility but doesn't confirm the purchase of FSD.
Step 4: Post-Purchase Verification (The 7-Day Money Back Guarantee)
Carvana offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, which can be your safety net.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Sub-heading 4.1: The Moment of Truth
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In-Vehicle Check: Once you take delivery of the Tesla, the first thing you should do is go to the car's touchscreen:
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Touch Controls > Software.
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Look for a section that says "Full Self-Driving Capability" or "Enhanced Autopilot."
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If it states "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included Package" without an expiration date, you've hit the jackpot!
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If it mentions "Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Subscription," or nothing at all, it likely does not have the lifetime FSD purchase.
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Additional Vehicle Information: Sometimes, you might need to tap "Additional Vehicle Information" within the Software menu to see details about the Autopilot computer hardware (HW3.0, HW4.0, etc.). Having FSD hardware (3.0 or above) is required for FSD, even if the software isn't purchased.
Sub-heading 4.2: Exercising Your Guarantee
If, after thoroughly checking the software, you discover the car does not have FSD as you had hoped (and the listing or your communication with Carvana led you to believe it did), you can utilize Carvana's 7-day money-back guarantee. Be prepared to articulate precisely why the vehicle does not meet your expectations.
Step 5: Consider the Value Proposition - FSD's Transferability & Cost
It's important to understand the landscape of FSD, especially regarding used Teslas.
Sub-heading 5.1: The Shifting Sands of FSD Transferability
Historically, FSD has sometimes been transferable and sometimes has not. Tesla has, at various points, offered limited-time FSD transfer programs for new vehicle purchases. When buying a used car from a third-party like Carvana, there's always a risk that FSD might be removed or converted to a subscription by Tesla if the original owner transferred it out or if Tesla's policy changes. This is why verifying "Included Package" is so critical.
Sub-heading 5.2: FSD Subscription vs. Lifetime Purchase
If the Carvana Tesla you're eyeing doesn't have the "Included Package," remember that FSD (Supervised) is available as a monthly subscription from Tesla (currently $99-$199/month depending on your existing Autopilot package). While this offers flexibility, it adds to your ongoing costs. A vehicle with the lifetime FSD purchase retains significant value.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to tell if a Tesla has Autopilot?
Basic Autopilot (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer) is standard on all Teslas produced after 2020. You can confirm this by checking the car's "Software" menu, where it will be listed if enabled.
How to check Tesla FSD hardware version?
On the Tesla touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. This screen will show the "Autopilot computer" version (e.g., HW2.5, HW3, HW4).
How to know if a used Tesla has free Supercharging?
Check the "Software" or "Upgrades" section on the Tesla's touchscreen or within your Tesla account once the car is registered to you. Free unlimited Supercharging is rare on newer used Teslas and is usually explicitly advertised.
How to verify a Tesla's history before buying from Carvana?
Carvana provides a CarFax or AutoCheck report for each vehicle. Review this for accident history, service records, and previous ownership details.
How to know if a Tesla has premium connectivity?
Premium Connectivity is a subscription service. On the Tesla touchscreen, go to Controls > Software. It will typically show "Premium Connectivity" and an expiration date if it's active or a trial.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
How to transfer FSD to a new Tesla?
Tesla has offered limited-time FSD transfer programs for new vehicle purchases directly from Tesla. This typically requires the transfer from an existing vehicle to a new one on the same Tesla account. This generally does not apply to used car purchases from third-party dealers like Carvana.
How to subscribe to FSD after purchasing a used Tesla?
If your used Tesla has the necessary FSD hardware (3.0 or above), you can subscribe to FSD (Supervised) directly through the Tesla app or on the vehicle's touchscreen by going to Upgrades > Software Upgrades.
How to assess the value of FSD on a used Tesla?
The value of FSD on a used Tesla depends heavily on whether it's an "Included Package" (lifetime purchase) or a subscription. The lifetime purchase significantly increases the resale value of the car.
How to perform a pre-purchase inspection on a Carvana Tesla?
While Carvana handles the inspection, you have a 7-day money-back guarantee. During this period, you can take the car to a local Tesla Service Center or a trusted independent mechanic for a more thorough inspection.
How to determine if a Tesla has a heat pump?
Newer Tesla models (e.g., Model 3 and Model Y from late 2020 onwards) typically include a heat pump for improved efficiency in cold weather. You can sometimes find this information in the "Additional Vehicle Information" section of the software menu, or by looking at the build date and features of the specific model year.
This video, "Tesla FSD Option, how to check and does it transfer," provides a good overview of how to verify FSD and discusses its transferability.
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