Three years ago, nobody predicted the 2016 Tesla Model X would still be in the conversation as a used EV buy. But here we are in 2025, and this electric SUV is everywhere on the secondhand market. The question is: does the data support buying one now, or has the 2016 Tesla Model X aged past its prime? I drove a 2016 P90D last week, ran the numbers on depreciation, insurance, and repair costs, and compared it to modern EVs. Here's what the spreadsheet says.
The Falcon-Wing Doors: Love Them or Hate Them
The signature feature of the 2016 Tesla Model X is the falcon-wing doors. They're a party trick that still draws crowds in a parking lot. But from a reliability standpoint, they're the number one source of service tickets for this generation. Early revisions of the door control modules and strut sensors suffered from failures. Tesla later improved these under warranty, but if you buy a car that never had the updates, you're facing potential repair bills of $1,000-$2,500 per door. I've seen owners report door sensors triggering phantom stops in rain or under tree shade. The good news: many 2016 units have already been serviced, so check the service history. If they work, they're a joy. If they don't, they're a wallet vacuum.
By the Numbers: The 2016 Model X door modules cost $350 each from Tesla, plus labor. Two doors, two modules, and you're at $1,500+ quickly.
Range and Battery Health: How Much Has Degraded?
Battery degradation is the single biggest concern for any used EV. The 2016 Tesla Model X came with either a 75 kWh or 90 kWh pack. The P90D I drove had 68% state of health after 80,000 miles, meaning 32% capacity loss. That's high-end degradation, likely from frequent Supercharging in a hot climate. The EPA range for the P90D when new was 250 miles. At 68% health, you're looking at roughly 170 miles of real-world range in mixed driving. More typical examples with 50,000-70,000 miles show 10-15% degradation, bringing effective range to 210-225 miles. That's still viable for commuting and regional drives, but road trips require careful charge planning. The battery warranty was 8 years or 125,000 miles for the 90 kWh pack, so early 2016 units are just falling out of warranty. If the battery hasn't been replaced, budget for potential replacement costs of $10,000-$15,000 down the road.
Performance: Still Quick, Still Heavy
A 2016 Tesla Model X P90D in Ludicrous mode hits 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds. That's still competitive with most new EVs. The dual-motor all-wheel drive delivers instant traction. But the car weighs over 5,500 lbs, and you feel it in the corners. The air suspension (standard on the P90D) provides a smooth ride, but early units had issues with compressor failure and leaking struts. Replacement air struts cost $1,500-$2,000 each, and it's common to need all four after 70,000 miles. The later 2017+ cars had updated suspension components, so if you can stretch the budget, a 2017 model is worth the extra $2,000-$3,000.
Reliability: Known Issues and Repair Costs
Independent mechanics report that the 2016 Tesla Model X has above-average repair frequency for the luxury SUV segment. Common issues beyond the doors and suspension: the panoramic windshield can crack from thermal stress (replacement cost $1,200), the 12V battery fails every 3-4 years ($200 DIY), and door handles sometimes stick out. The drive units on early cars were prone to whine and occasionally needed replacement. Tesla extended the drive unit warranty to 8 years/125,000 miles on some units, but be sure to run the VIN. Out of pocket, a new drive unit is $5,000-$8,000.
Total Cost of Ownership: Depreciation, Insurance, Tax Credits
Depreciation on the 2016 Tesla Model X has been brutal. A $140,000 P90D is now worth $30,000-$35,000 in good condition. That's a 75% drop in eight years. But that also means the next owner's depreciation risk is lower. Insurance costs remain high—expect $2,500-$3,500 per year for full coverage, partly because repair parts are expensive and body shops charge premium rates for aluminum panels. The upside: as a used EV you don't qualify for the federal tax credit, but some states offer incentives for pre-owned EVs. In Texas, my home state, there's no state incentive, but you save on fuel—the equivalent of $1,500-$2,000 per year over gasoline at national averages.
Should You Buy a 2016 Model X in 2025?
The 2016 Tesla Model X offers a lot of character—falcon-wing doors, Ludicrous acceleration, and that early Tesla charm. The numbers show it can be a good buy if you find one with a clean battery health report, a strong service history, and ideally the latest door modules. But you're gambling on out-of-warranty repairs. For the same $30k-$40k, you could buy a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 or a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV with less drama and better battery technology. The 2016 Model X is for the enthusiast who values the experience over efficiency. If that's you, and you've got a $5,000 repair fund, go ahead. If you want a reliable daily driver with lower total cost, look elsewhere.
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