Used Tesla Model 3 for sale: everything you need to know
Over the last few years, you will have noticed a lot of Tesla Model 3s on the road. That’s because it offers a combination of long range and everyday usability at a relatively affordable price that few other electric cars can match. If you’re thinking about a used Tesla Model 3, you’re in the right place to find out everything you need to know.
In this guide, we’ll tell you what living with the Model 3 is like, and give you a full breakdown of the various models available.
Should you buy a Tesla Model 3?
We said at the start that the keys to the Model 3’s success are its range and usability, so let’s look at those in more detail. Every version of the car offers a fully-charged range of more than 300 miles, which you can get pretty close to in the ‘real world’. The Long Range version can go as far as 374 miles with a full battery, which is easily enough to cover most people’s needs, whether for a week of commuting or a long journey on holiday.
Recharging at home can be done overnight, while on the road you have access to Tesla’s network of Supercharger charging stations. They’re fast and easy to use, working together with the Tesla phone app. The sat-nav will tell you when, where and how long you need to recharge.
The Model 3 feels good to drive. It’s quite a heavy car, but the controls seem relatively light and its handling is agile, plus you have a great view out, and the ride is really smooth. It works just as well in town as it does on the motorway or a winding country road. It’s also very fast, yet perfectly easy to drive at normal speeds.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, much more so than any petrol or diesel car of a similar size. Five adults can fit comfortably, so it’s plenty big enough to be used as a family car. The boot has a huge 542-litre capacity, but the opening is quite small, which limits usability. The Model 3 is shaped like a hatchback, so why it doesn’t have a lift-up tailgate is a bit of a mystery.
Aside from space, the main thing you’ll notice about the Model 3’s interior is the huge touchscreen display and complete lack of buttons on the dashboard. All of the car’s features and functions are controlled via the screen, even the wipers. It does take some time to get used to, and you’ll probably end up relying on the brilliant voice-command system to control most things. All the features you’d expect of a high-end car are here, including sat-nav, climate control air-con and a powerful audio system.
The Model 3 is available with three powertrains that have different configurations of battery and electric motor. They all come with the same standard features, though.
For many people, a Tesla Model 3 is a no-brainer. While it faces increasingly stiff competition, it’s a great all-round package that requires less effort to own than many other electric cars. And it has incredibly strong brand recognition.
It’s pretty good value, even compared to similar petrol or diesel cars, and running costs can be very low. Just watch out for potentially pricey insurance premiums. Tesla has experienced issues with reliability and build quality, but is getting on top of them. The Model 3 comes with an eight-year warranty for the battery. Demand for used examples is very high, so retained values are excellent.
Similar electric cars you might want to consider include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Polestar 2. They will appeal to some people simply because they’re not a Tesla. Some offer a similar range to the Model 3, but you have to rely on the public charging network on a journey – rather than Tesla’s excellent Superchargers. Once again, the sheer convenience of owning a Model 3 comes into play.
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What's the best model of used Tesla Model 3 to buy?
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is the best version in the line-up – it can travel up to 360 miles on a charge and can get from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. If range is a key factor in your buying decision, then check out our guide to electric cars with the longest range. We'd also recommend finding a used car with the Enhanced Autopilot which assists with driving the Model 3 for you on the motorway and means the Tesla can park itself.
Used Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and performance
The Model 3 is available with three combinations of battery and electric motors that give different levels of performance and range. The middling Long Range AWD model is the most popular because it gives very rapid performance and has the longest range.
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive – The entry-level version has the smallest, 50kWh battery and the least powerful electric motor. There’s just one driving the back wheels, which produces 245PS. The car is still pretty quick, with 0-60mph taking 5.8 seconds. A range of 305 miles is better than many other electric cars manage.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD – The mid-point version of the Model 3 has a larger 75kWh battery and two electric motors – one for the back wheels and one powering the fronts – producing a total of 351PS. The result is very rapid acceleration, with 0-60mph taking 4.2 seconds. The big battery means it also has the most range: up to 374 miles.
Tesla Model 3 Performance – This version has the same 75kWh battery and ‘dual-motor’ four-wheel-drive configuration as the Long Range version, but those motors have quite a lot more power: 456PS, in fact. This gets the car from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds, yet the potential range is still 340 miles.
What used Tesla Model 3 trim levels are available?
While there are several different versions of the Model 3 available, Tesla doesn’t really do trim levels as such. Instead, the versions are differentiated by their powertrains – i.e. their battery and electric motor set-ups.
Every version has the same standard features, which include a 15-inch touchscreen media/control system display, 4G internet access, voice command controls, climate control air-con, wireless charging pads, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, a glass roof and adaptive cruise control.
Used Tesla Model 3 dimensions and boot size
The Tesla Model 3’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4694mm
Width: 1849mm
Height: 1443mm
The Tesla Model 3’s boot capacity is 542 litres.
Used Tesla Model road tax
As a fully electric car, the Tesla Model 3 currently pay nothing for a year's road tax, which is a handy saving and pays for a few recharges of the battery.
How much is it to insure a Tesla Model 3?
The Model 3 is rated in insurance groups 48 to 50 (out of 50 groups in total). That’s quite a lot higher than other large, premium-brand saloons – so costs can be hefty. That’s partly due to the car’s performance, and also because the battery pack can be costly to repair or replace if damaged.
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review
