Massachusetts man buys Tesla declared dead in New Jersey but refuses to let anyone kill his cars again
Published on Nov 15, 2025 at 6:23 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 15, 2025 at 6:23 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A Massachusetts man just turned a Tesla Model 3, which had previously been declared dead, into a 450-horsepower monster, and it only cost him $5,000.
Rich Benoit, better known as Rich Rebuilds, bought the wrecked Model 3 from a dealer in New Jersey who had written it off as a lost cause.
The car wouldn’t charge, wouldn’t move, and barely held 20 miles of range; it had basically been declared dead.
Most buyers would have sent it straight to the junkyard, but the YouTuber had other plans.
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The Tesla Model 3 that was declared dead
This YouTuber decided to risk it all on a Tesla Model 3 EV that had been declared dead.
The first port of call was the battery, but when the first replacement arrived, it didn’t even fit because it was built for a dual motor car.
So instead of backing out, the YouTuber known online as Rich Rebuilds doubled down and converted the single motor Model 3 into a Performance spec build.
He did this by installing a front motor, a high-output rear motor, and a new battery pack.
The result was now 0 to 60mph in 3.4 seconds, and a car that can hold its own against most sports sedans.
After a few rounds of tightening bolts, fixing the suspension, and reprogramming modules to sync the hardware, the Tesla came back to life.
The Electrified Garage team helped him iron out final issues with the autopilot system and power distribution, and what started as a junkyard find turned into one of the most unique Teslas on the road.
Pretty and powerful in pink
The YouTuber didn’t stop at performance.
He wrapped the car in bright pink, added black wheels and accents, and made it a lovely gift to his daughter.
The look sparked mixed reactions from strangers, but for Rich and his excited daughter, it’s proof that individuality still looks good in the world of EVs.
“It’s a $5,000 performance Model 3,” he said. “And this time, no one’s declaring it dead.”
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
