Can I use a referral code on a used or inventory Tesla?

Inventory cars: usually yes. Used cars: usually no. The program is aimed at new vehicles, and what counts as "new" is where people get caught out.

New inventory cars

An inventory car is a new car that's already built and waiting for a buyer, sometimes with a few delivery miles. These are normally treated as new orders, so a referral can apply. The same rule holds: open the referral link first, then pick the car.

• Demo cars (used as test-drive or showroom cars) sit in between. Some are sold as new, others as used. Check how the listing describes it.
• Discounted inventory may already carry its own offer. Look at the summary to see whether the referral still shows alongside it.

Used cars

Pre-owned cars, whether sold by the manufacturer or a private seller, generally aren't covered. A referral can't be applied to a private sale at all, since there's no order for it to attach to.

How to check before you buy

1. Open the owner's referral link, then browse to the car you want from that page.
2. At checkout, look for the referral line in the summary.
3. If it's missing, the car probably isn't eligible. Ask before paying rather than after.

Eligibility can change. The manufacturer's referral program page lists which purchases currently qualify.