FSDRadar
Buyer's guides
Buying a used Tesla with FSD
Since February 2026, Tesla sells FSD (Supervised) in the US by subscription only. The only way left to own it is to buy a car whose first owner paid for it. These guides show you how to check that before you pay.
Start here
A photo of "Full Self-Driving" on a car's screen does not prove the next owner keeps it. A subscription, a trial and an outright purchase can all look alike. Read how to tell if a Tesla has FSD first, then whether it transfers to you.
- How to tell if a used Tesla has FSD, and whether you keep itThe five checks, in order: screen, Tesla app, paperwork, history and hardware.7 min read
- Does FSD transfer to a new owner when a Tesla is sold?Tesla's resale rule quoted, the exceptions, and every transfer window with dates.8 min read
- FSD subscription vs purchased: how to tell them apart on a used TeslaThe signs that separate owned FSD from a subscription or trial, and what each costs you.7 min read
- HW3 vs HW4 (AI4): which computer a used Tesla has, and what it means for FSDHow to check the computer, which cars got which, and what HW3 and AI4 run today.7 min read
- Questions to ask a Tesla seller about FSD, plus a test-drive checklistCopy-paste seller questions, good and bad answers, and a test-drive and handover checklist.7 min read
- How much is FSD worth on a used Tesla?The subscription math, past purchase prices, a published market estimate and a break-even rule.6 min read
- Used Tesla with FSD: where to find one and how to buy it safelyWhere owned-FSD cars come from, search tips for listings, and a step-by-step buying plan.6 min read
- Tesla option codes for FSD, Autopilot and Supercharging, explained$APF2, $APFB, $APF4, $APH4, $SC01, $SC05 and more: what each means for a buyer, from Tesla's own data.7 min read
- Can you check a Tesla's FSD with the VIN? What a VIN lookup can and cannot proveWhy no VIN shows FSD, what each VIN-based report can prove, and how to use the VIN properly.7 min read
- Enhanced Autopilot vs FSD on a used Tesla: what you get and what it costsBasic Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and FSD compared: features, how to spot each, the $49 add-on and value.6 min read
- Buying a used Tesla from Tesla: Certified Pre-Owned, inventory cars and FSDWhat Tesla's CPO cars include, how FSD disappeared from Tesla's own used stock, and when to buy elsewhere.6 min read
- Can you add FSD to a used Tesla? The subscription route, what it costs, and the catchesHow to get FSD on a used Tesla that does not have it, what it costs, and what can block it.8 min read
- Can a Tesla with HW3 be upgraded to AI4 (HW4)? What Tesla has said, and what it means when you buyEvery Tesla statement on upgrading HW3, dated, and what to pay for when you buy an HW3 car.6 min read
- Will a used Tesla get unsupervised FSD? What Tesla has said, and what not to pay forTesla's dated statements on unsupervised FSD for customer cars, what is still unknown, and why not to pay for it.5 min read
- Used Tesla Model Y with FSD: which years have which computer, and what to check before you payModel Y years, which computer each has, how 2025 and 2026 cars differ, and a checklist for the screen.9 min read
- Used Tesla Model S or X with FSD: the older-hardware traps, Supercharging and Luxe Package, and what to checkModel S and X by build date: which computer, the HW2/2.5 upgrade catch, MCU1, Luxe FSD and free Supercharging.10 min read
- Used Tesla Model 3 with FSD: HW3 or AI4, the 2024 Highland catch, and what to check before you payModel 3 years, which computer each has, why a 2024 car can be HW3 or AI4, how 2025 and 2026 cars differ, and a checklist for the screen.13 min read
Every guide quotes Tesla's own support pages and terms where they exist and links to them, and dates anything that changes often. FSD Radar is independent and not affiliated with Tesla, Inc.