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Used Tesla Model 3 Review
11 Oct 2023
Tesla’s owner, Elon Musk, might be a divisive figure, but there’s widespread consensus that Tesla delivers a level of electric car performance and desirability that few others can match. And given the burgeoning second-hand market, a used Tesla Model 3 could now be within reach.
If you’re looking for a used Tesla Model 3 for sale, the cutting-edge Tesla technology - including the excellent Supercharging network - could now be yours for a little over £35,000. But is it worth it? Let’s take a look.
How does it look?
Even today, the Tesla Model 3 looks like nothing else on the road. While the Polestar 2 comes closer than anything else in terms of its design, the Tesla’s anonymous, concept car-like styling is unique.
Clearly upmarket but without being too flashy, the Model 3’s looks have given it the mass market appeal the technology deserves. Although the curved, aerodynamic lines hint at a fast and quiet driving experience, there’s nothing outwardly showy about it, and that’s something a lot of people seem to love.
On the inside, the Model 3 is famously sparse, with nearly everything controlled via the huge landscape-format touch-screen display on the dashboard. The only other switches are the electric windows and the audio.
This minimalist package works very well if you’re looking for space. The lack of interior details and the compact running gear give you two boots rather than one. There’s also more head- and legroom than you’d get in an equivalently sized internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
What’s it like to drive?
Whether you’re interested in a 2019 Tesla Model 3 or a brand new model, they have one thing in common - they’re all very fast. On the road, the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 Standard Range Plus does 0-60mph in 6.1 sec. That’s faster than similarly priced petrol or diesel cars and also better than most electric rivals at the same price point. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range and Performance models are even faster, with the Performance zipping to 0-60mph in a face-distorting 3.3 seconds.
Of course, as the traffic will have it, you’re not always going to be buzzing around at an electrifying pace. At low speeds, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus and Long Range can jostle you around a little, but they’re both more comfortable alternatives to the Polestar 2. The Model 3 handles very tidily, feeling responsive while still providing plenty of grip and balance.
The other big performance metric for electric vehicles is range, which is where used Tesla Model 3s excel. In real-world conditions, a 2019 Model 3 Standard Range does 181 miles per charge, while the Long Range and Performance models, with their bigger batteries, are both good for well over 200 miles. The post-facelift models, which came in 2021, can go quite a bit further.
Which is the best used Tesla Model 3 to buy?
There are hundreds of used Tesla Model 3s for sale, from 2019 models through to nearly new 2023 versions. The best choice for you will come down to your budget. If you can afford it, a post-facelift Performance model delivers fantastic range and is unbelievably fast, but it probably delivers more range and speed than most people need.
At the more realistic end of the price range, a used Model 3 Standard Range Plus provides plenty of speed and enough range to complete all but the longest journeys without needing a charge. All versions of the Model 3 come with luxuries such as heated front seats, climate control, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry via your smartphone as standard, so you won’t miss out there.
How much is a used Tesla Model 3?
Used Tesla Model 3s aren’t cheap, however thanks to Tesla's price cuts earlier in 2023 they are now more affordable than ever. You should expect to pay upwards of £24,000 for a Model 3 Standard Range Plus with around 40,000 miles on the clock. You’re looking at between £25,000 and £30,000 for a lower mileage 2020 version and £30,000 or more for a Model 3 Standard Range Plus from 2021 or newer.
You’ll need £27,000 upwards for a Long Range of Performance Model 3 from 2019, while a 2020 version will be £29,000 plus. For a newer Long Range or Performance model, you’re looking at a price of around £33,000 depending on mileage.
However, while the purchase price are higher, the running costs are low. There are no fuel costs to worry about and even with the rising cost of electricity, you still stand to make a saving. There’s also no road tax to pay and servicing costs are reasonable, with a service required annually or every 12,500 miles. Insurance will be on the high side, so it’s worth getting a few quotes before you take the plunge.