Advertising It’s one thing to score a good deal on a used car, but it’s another to accidentally land an upgrade because someone else made the mistake first. That’s what happened to Travis Anthony, a Tesla Model Y buyer who turned an online listing error into an unexpected win. This afternoon, while scrolling through the Tesla Model Y Facebook group, I came across his story, which honestly made me happy. It’s rare to see a used car mishap end this well, especially when it involves one of the most talked-about electric SUVs on the market. "I posted about getting a dual motor Model Y that was listed as a long range only to find out it was one of the few standard range dual motors. Carvana was only wanting to give a $500 credit and that wouldn’t work so they picked it up today and dropped off a Model Y performance. Ended up getting it a few thousand dollars less than the first one. So far so good with this one," Travis wrote. How a Mistake Turned into a Performance Model This situation brings up a few interesting points, especially for buyers navigating the growing pool of used EVs. Travis initially believed he was getting a Long-Range dual motor Model Y, a trim that typically lands around 330 miles of range and delivers strong real-world efficiency. However, there was a short-lived batch of standard range dual motor variants produced in very limited numbers, most of them quietly discontinued. Carvana had listed one of these standard range versions as a Long Range it seems, either mistakenly or due to a VIN decoding error. When Travis noticed the discrepancy, he didn’t just settle for a credit. He pushed back, and that persistence paid off in the form of a Model Y Performance, which is a model that typically costs more but came to him for less than what he originally paid. Why the Performance Trim Feels So Different The Performance trim adds a lot more than just 0-60 bragging rights. It includes bigger brakes, lowered suspension, a carbon fiber spoiler, upgraded wheels, and a more aggressive dual motor tune. Some drivers even say it drives like a completely different car. One of them is commenter Êłâ Hä, who chimed in under Travis’ post, writing, “The performance is way better! Better handling and just a better drive in my opinion. I noticed the difference when I had a regular loaner. Also faster so enjoy!” This reflects a growing trend we’ve seen in Tesla forums and groups. Drivers who previously wouldn’t have considered the Performance trim are becoming converts once they get behind the wheel. It’s not just about acceleration, as there’s a refinement to the ride and cornering that feels more intentional and planted. This is something I also noticed while reading another owner's story about upgrading from an older Tesla Model Y to a newer one and realizing just how much smoother and quieter it had become. The Risks and Benefits of Buying Used Outside Tesla What makes Travis’s story even more compelling is that it highlights a key point for anyone shopping outside of Tesla's own used inventory. When buying from third-party platforms like Carvana, CarMax, or even local dealers, always double check the specs. VINs can be misread, listings can be outdated, and while Tesla doesn’t offer a traditional window sticker on used cars, you can still verify the build configuration through your Tesla account once you take ownership. Better yet, maybe even before you finalize the purchase if you can get the original specs. It also speaks to the growing number of people who are stepping into the EV world for the first time and having their assumptions challenged. One story that comes to mind is about a first-time EV owner who never thought they'd own an electric car until a Tesla changed everything. That kind of transformation is more common than most people realize, and Travis's story follows a similar arc, even if it started with a hiccup. Warranties, Peace of Mind, and a Big Question Answered Another commenter, Carter Ward, brought up a great follow-up question that many people overlook when buying Teslas used: “Do you still get the factory Tesla warranties and battery warranty buying used or from 3rd party like Carvana?” Travis replied, “Yessir,” confirming that Tesla's battery and powertrain warranties do still carry over even when the vehicle is resold outside of Tesla's ecosystem. Advertising That alone is a game changer in the used EV market. While you might lose access to some of Tesla’s direct customer support perks, the battery and drivetrain coverage, which are the most expensive parts of an EV, remain intact. That peace of mind makes it far easier to justify a purchase when the deal turns into an upgrade like it did for Travis. Andy Pro added, “Love the MYP. I smile everyday behind the wheel.” And really, that’s what this story circles back to. The Model Y Performance isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the feeling you get when you drive it. It’s a different emotional experience that reminds you why electric cars can be more than just transportation. Not Every Experience Is Perfect Though Still, not all Model Y Performance stories are sunshine and smiles. Some owners, like those in who experienced faster-than-expected battery health decline in the 2023 Model Y Performance, have raised questions about long-term battery performance. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s a good reminder that used EV buyers should not only ask about warranties but also take note of charging habits, usage history, and whether the battery management system (BMS) is functioning properly. There’s also the layer of ownership experience tied to features like Sentry Mode, which can offer peace of mind or even catch shocking moments, like when one owner discovered a stranger trying to open their Tesla door on video. These are the little perks that sometimes get overlooked in spec sheets but matter greatly in real-world use. When a Company Makes It Right That being said, Travis’s outcome is still unusually positive. In many other cases, people are left dealing with long email threads, unclear responses, and no satisfactory solution. So to see a company like Carvana not only admit the mistake, but also go a step further and deliver a better car at a lower cost, is worth highlighting. That's why I think Travis’s story is a perfect case study of what used EV shopping looks like in 2025. We’re in a transition period where EVs are becoming more mainstream, but the third-party ecosystem around them is still playing catch-up. Listings aren’t always accurate. Software versions and battery health aren’t disclosed as clearly as they should be. And the gap between performance trims and base models can sometimes be bigger than buyers realize. But the power of informed ownership like knowing your trim, your warranty, and your leverage can completely change the game. If Travis hadn’t known what to look for, he might still be driving a car with less range than he thought he paid for. Moral Takeaways and Key Lessons for Buyers: Always verify the trim level and specs before purchase. If you're buying a Tesla from a third-party site, look up the VIN through Tesla’s portal or ask for the build sheet. There are rare variants (like the standard range dual motor Model Y) that are easy to confuse for more expensive trims. Don’t settle for a bad resolution. Travis was offered a $500 credit but knew that wasn’t enough. Pushing back respectfully but firmly can sometimes yield a much better outcome. In this case, he ended up with a Model Y Performance for less. Battery and drivetrain warranties carry over even with used third-party Teslas. That makes platforms like Carvana more appealing, as long as you verify the warranty coverage. The Performance trim isn’t just about speed. Drivers constantly mention how much better it feels behind the wheel compared to the Long Range. If you're on the fence, it's worth test driving both. Use your network. Facebook groups, forums, and comment sections can provide a wealth of knowledge—and sometimes even real-time confirmation about what you should expect, like the confirmation Travis received about warranties. Know that mistakes happen, even from big platforms. But with the right mindset and persistence, you can turn a frustrating situation into something much better than you expected. So What Do You Think? Have you ever bought a used car and discovered it wasn’t exactly what was listed? And have any of you had similar positive outcomes from third party companies like Carvana? Don't hesitate to share your story in the comments below. Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars. Image Sources: The “Tesla Model Y” public Facebook group.