Auction Buying
What a Quick Walk-Around at the Auction Yard Can't Tell You
A quick yard walk-around can't show how a car runs, its frame, flood damage, or wiring. Here's what to check before you bid.
01Auctions
Buying a Salvage Tesla? Autopilot, FSD and Supercharging May Not Come With It
Salvage Teslas are all over Copart. Tesla limits support on salvage-titled cars: Supercharging, warranty and driver-assist features can be cut off. What to know before you bid on one.
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- 2 min
- Updated
- October 5, 2026
Crashed Teslas show up on Copart every day, from cheap Model 3s to Cybertrucks. They look like bargains. Before you bid, know what Tesla does when a car gets a salvage title.
01What can go away
Supercharging. In 2020 Tesla began disabling Supercharging (and third-party DC fast charging) on salvage-titled cars. It has since set up a paid inspection of the high-voltage system that can restore fast charging on repaired cars. Plan for that inspection, and for the chance the car fails it until repairs are done right.
Warranty. Tesla's warranties and service agreements generally end once a car is declared a total loss.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Tesla has not published one clear rule here, and owner reports are mixed. Some rebuilt cars have had driver-assist features deactivated until a Tesla inspection; others report they stayed on. A flipper on X this month posted that his rebuilt car lost them. If FSD is part of why you want the car, assume it may not survive, and price it that way.
02Why it matters for a flip
A buyer looking at a rebuilt Tesla will ask: "Does it Supercharge? Does it have Autopilot?" If the answer is "not right now," that's a big hit to resale.
Also: - Parts can be slow. Some body and structural parts are only available through Tesla. - High-voltage battery damage isn't always visible in auction photos. A car with a damaged pack can cost more than it's worth. - Insurance on a rebuilt Tesla can be hard to find. Call before you buy.
03Before you bid
- Check what the listing says about damage. Underbody and rear damage near the battery are red flags.
- Read Tesla's current policy on salvage vehicles.
- Budget for the fast-charging inspection.
- Price the flip as if FSD won't be there. If it is, that's a bonus.
- Decide whether you're flipping it whole or parting it out.
A salvage Tesla can still be a good buy. It's just a different car than a clean-title Tesla, and the price should show it.
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