Best Tesla Model 3 Years to Buy Used

Used Tesla Model 3 Quick Facts 

• The best years to buy a used Tesla Model 3 range from 2020 through 2022.
• The Tesla Model 3 debuted in 2017 and was the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) from 2018 to 2020.
• Buying a used Model 3 directly from Tesla that has exceeded its factory warranty includes a 1-year/10,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
• Tesla’s over-the-air updates help keep some older Model 3 cars current. 

The Model 3 was Tesla’s first mainstream electric vehicle, offering much of the same range, performance, and features as the more expensive Model S, but at a price most luxury buyers could afford. With an eye on the best tech at the best price, the best years to buy used range from 2020 through 2022. This gets you a reasonably-priced, low-mileage Tesla Model 3 with many of the latest upgrades. We’ll explain why and tell you about trim levels, range, and more. Read on.

• Which Is the Best Model-Year Used Tesla Model 3?
• Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels Over the Years: Which Should You Buy?
• Things To Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model 3
• What Years of the Model 3 Years Should You Avoid?

Which Is the Best Model-Year Used Tesla Model 3?

If you’re looking for a reasonable price on a used Model 3, the best years are 2020-2022. The 2023 and newer Model 3 cars are also good choices, but those Tesla EVs will likely cost more due to better battery and chip technology and potentially lower mileage. Buying a high-mileage Model 3 carries more risk, as battery degradation may occur after about 200,000 miles. This doesn’t mean the battery fails; it just won’t hold 100% of its charging capacity, which will lessen the vehicle’s range. 

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Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels Over the Years: Which Should You Buy?

The first-generation Model 3 runs from 2017 to the current model, although updates in 2021 and 2023 make these years somewhat superior to the original. Over the long run, the Model 3 has seen changes to its price, content, and technology while retaining a familiar style and interior layout. Similar in size to the Audi A4 and Lexus IS, the Model 3 can comfortably seat five adults and carry their luggage in its 15 cubic-foot trunk.

Upon its introduction, Tesla offered only a Long Range trim, promising a less expensive Standard Range and Mid Range model to follow. The Standard Range eventually arrived in 2018, but in limited numbers, meaning if you’re shopping in the early years, you will mostly only find the more expensive Long Range model. Early on, other EVs in this segment include the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.4, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, with more direct competitors from Audi, BMW, and Polestar arriving later. 

2021-2024  

For 2021, the Model 3 gets more equipment, including wireless charging pads, double-layered front door glass, and a new center console. A new heat-pump climate control system uses less power, helping increase the range for all three trims. The Standard Range trim can now travel 263 miles, the Long Range 353 miles, and the Performance 315 miles. The Enhanced Autopilot package adds Full Self-Driving, Smart Summons, Autopark parallel and perpendicular parking, and traffic sign recognition features.

For 2022 and 2023, Tesla made no major changes.

For 2024, the model lineup consists of the Long Range rear-wheel drive (RWD), Long Range all-wheel drive (AWD), and Performance. Exterior styling changes occur at the front and rear, with new wheels and more blackout trim elements. The cabin sees more tech, with a touchscreen for rear seat passengers as well as USB ports. Up front, the control stalks have been removed, and their functions are now controlled either via the massive center touchscreen or by steering-wheel buttons. New upgrades include ventilated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and carbon-fiber trim.

If you’re looking for the best combination of range, features, and resale, we’d recommend the 2020 through 2024 Model 3 Long Range. Those who don’t mind sacrificing some range for better performance should consider the Performance trim. Buyers also have the option to upgrade to the Enhanced Autopilot program at any time via the Tesla app.

Due to Tesla’s constant upgrades and running changes, range figures can vary by a few miles, even within a model year. The figures in the following chart are stats given at the beginning of each model year.

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2019-2020  

In 2019, we finally see the Model 3 lineup built out, offering Standard Range Plus (up to 240-mile range), Long Range (up to 322-mile range), and Performance (up to 310-mile range) trims. The year 2019 was one of the most confusing years for the Model 3 as Tesla made numerous running changes throughout the year, dropping some features from the standard equipment list and adding others. Still, the overall package of equipment largely remains the same.

For 2020, Tesla adds updated driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane guidance to the standard equipment list. Long Range and Performance trims are now solely all-wheel drive. New technology includes Tesla Theatre and Smart Summons, which can automatically summon the Model 3 to your location.

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2017-2018  

The first year for the Model 3 was 2017. The only trim is the rear-drive Long Range with a 310-mile estimated range and a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

Model 3 exterior features include a fixed-glass-panel roof, 18-inch wheels, auto on/off LED headlamps and high beams, fog lights, auto-dimming heated power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, and front and rear parking sensors. The cabin features 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, premium audio, and a power-adjustable steering column. A 15-inch touchscreen serves as the command center, housing displays for speed, climate control, navigation, audio, and controls for things like cruise and driver aids. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM are not offered on any Model 3. Standard safety assists include a blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning and mitigation.

An available Enhanced Autopilot option adds adaptive cruise control, self-parking assist, lane guidance and centering, and the ability to upgrade to full self-driving software.

The year 2018 sees the introduction of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option that drops the zero-to-60 time to 3.5 seconds. Range remains at up to 310. A Mid Range model arrives touting a lower price and smaller battery pack, estimated at 260 miles total range. A Performance package offers 20-inch wheels, sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and quicker performance but shorter range (due to the 20-inch tires).

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A Word About Range

The range figures quoted by the manufacturer are estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on ideal driving conditions. The range can vary depending on driving style and whether you have a light or lead foot. Outdoor temperatures can also affect battery life, especially extreme cold or heat. In cold weather, preconditioning the battery helps minimize power loss and won’t drain the battery so long as it’s done when the vehicle is plugged into a charger. Failure to precondition the battery pack can lead to slower charging times. Similarly, driving in extreme heat (temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit) consumes more power as an electric car draws additional power to help cool its battery. Batteries at or near the maximum temperature limits may shut down charging for safety reasons.

RELATED: Buying a Used Tesla: Everything You Need to Know

Things To Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model 3

Battery Life

The Model 3 battery is warranted for eight years or 120,000 miles (100,000 miles for RWD). Because battery and software technology constantly change, the best guesstimate is that the Model 3 battery should be good for about 10 years; after that, it may begin to degrade, holding less and less of its potential charge. Should the battery fail, you’re looking at least $15,000-$20,000 to replace the packs. Tesla tends to remanufacture rather than replace with new ones. Late-model 2022 and newer Model 3 EVs have built-in software to test the battery’s health.

Storage and Charging

You’ll want to purchase and install a Level 2 home charger, so it’s best if you have a dedicated space in a garage or covered carport. The average cost of a Tesla charger is around $500, but depending on your home’s electrical setup, installation can run anywhere from $400 to a few thousand dollars.

Long-Term Ownership

Tesla says it designed the Model 3’s drive unit and body to go a million miles. With proper care and maintenance, there’s no reason this figure isn’t doable. Rust and corrosion issues have been reported in regions that experience harsh winters accompanied by widespread use of road salt. Galvanic corrosion (an electrochemical process where steel components meet aluminum) is one area of concern, as are open areas that lack protection from the elements. Corrosion can also occur around several electrical ground points where a steel bolt touches the aluminum body. A 12-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty helps ease worries. As the Model 3 doesn’t have many moving parts to fail, it should last as long as the best ICE (internal combustion engine) car or truck. Unlike conventional cars and SUVs, the Model 3’s over-the-air updates allow Tesla to resolve many issues with a simple software update.

Resale

This may be the most challenging part of buying any used electric vehicle. As it ages, the Model 3 loses value, especially older models with high mileage and diminished battery life. This means you can probably get one for a low price but might have to spend a big chunk of cash if the battery needs replacing. Any kind of new electric car sales slowdown can lead to a glut on dealer lots. That means used EVs might end up competing for the same customer base, greatly reducing their value. Add to that Tesla’s habit of slashing prices without warning, and trying to figure out the best price for a used Model 3 can become tricky. A late-model Model 3 is probably the best bet, giving more features and range than an early model for not much more money.

Recall History

The Tesla Model 3 has had a few recalls over its history, including issues with the electrical systems, instrument cluster, front suspension, and, most recently, the autonomous driving system. You can see all the recall information for the Model 3 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.  

What Years of the Model 3 Years Should You Avoid?

The 2017 through 2019 models use older chip and battery technologies that negate some of the latest over-the-air updates. Early years also lack some options, like the base Standard Range trim, which doesn’t arrive until late 2018. The first few years for the Model 3 have more than their fair share of issues, including poor build quality, software issues, water leaks, and numerous recalls.

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Looking for a different Tesla model? See our article: Best Tesla Model Y Years to Buy Used.