Used Tesla Model 3 review and buying guide
Tesla’s reputation may have taken a battering in recent months, but the used Tesla Model 3 remains a great value second-hand EV thanks to its relatively low purchasing cost, minimalist cabin, and impressive range
Whatever you may feel about Elon Musk, there’s no denying that the Tesla Model 3 is a pioneering vehicle on the EV landscape. Following its debut in the United States for the 2017 model year, the Tesla Model 3 was the world’s first EV to sell more than a million units.
This was the car responsible for bringing wallet-friendliness and real-world usage to the masses, bolstered by its compatibility with Tesla’s fast-charging and reliable public Supercharger network.
The Tesla Model 3’s avant-garde, minimalist interior was also like nothing the EV world had seen before.
The Tesla Model 3 arrived on UK shores in 2019, and for the reasons outlined above, quickly gained favour amongst EV drivers across the country. In 2024, the Model 3 was the third biggest-selling EV in the UK behind the Audi Q4 e-tron, and its larger sibling, the Tesla Model Y SUV.
Despite undergoing a comprehensive facelift at the end of 2023 and the controversies surrounding Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, UK EV buyers still love the ‘first-gen’ Model 3, and the world’s best-selling EV in history was recently found to be the country’s fastest-selling used car under four years old.
This guide outlines what makes the pre-facelift used Tesla Model 3 such a popular choice amongst UK EV buyers and what you need to know if you’re considering buying one.
Tesla Model 3 in the UK
When the Tesla Model 3 debuted in the UK, three models were available: Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Model 3 Performance. Given this gets complicated to understand quite quickly, the following table will allow you to compare the different trim levels.
| Model | Range (WLTP) | Drivetrain | Battery size | 0-60mph | Top speed |
| Standard Range Plus | 258 miles | Single motor, RWD | 54kWh | 5.3s | 140mph |
| Long Range | 348 miles | Dual motor, AWD | 75kWh | 4.5s | 145mph |
| Performance | 329 miles | Dual motor, AWD | 75kWh | 3.2s | 162mph |
The Standard Range Plus was the lightest of the trio weighing in at 1,645kg, while the two dual-motor, AWD cars carry significantly more heft, weighing in at 1,847kg. Irrespective of trim level, the Tesla Model 3 has a combined 542 litres of storage space factoring in the frunk, rear boot, and underfloor storage.
The 2020 facelift
Despite having only been on sale for a year, the Tesla Model 3 underwent a mild facelift for the 2020 model year. The most obvious change between pre and post-2020 cars was the switch from chrome exterior trim to black on the door handles, side mirrors, window trim, and camera covers to give the Model 3 a more mature, performance-focused appearance.
Inside, Tesla addressed the quality of materials used in the Model 3, as well as the cabin’s overall fit-and-finish. Prior to the 2020 facelift, several of the criticisms levelled at the world’s best-selling EV were rattly trim, uneven panel gaps, and an overall lack of quality compared to rivals.
To improve the overall user experience, the centre console was tidied up, QI wireless charging pads were added for front occupants, and the double-pane glass was improved to reduce road noise. When it comes to tech, Tesla removed the adaptive cruise control radar sensor in April 2021. A month later, it did away with the front passenger lumbar support. In October 2022, the ultrasonic park assist sensor was removed and replaced with Tesla Vision; the US carmaker’s own-brand parking assistance feature.
Arguably, the biggest upgrade the Tesla Model 3 unwent for 2020 was the addition of an 82kWh battery to the flagship Performance model. Nonetheless, upgrades made to all Model 3 batteries led to better mileage figures across the line-up. These improved figures are outlined below:
| Model | Post-2020 facelift range | Pre-2020 facelift range |
| Standard Range Plus | 267 miles | 258 miles |
| Long Range | 360 miles | 348 miles |
| Performance | 352 miles | 329 miles |
Despite the changes, Tesla was – and still is – a manufacturer that prides itself on a lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Expect neither with your used Tesla Model 3.
However, every model does come with the poorly named “Autopilot” – a highway driving assistance system that combines active lane keeping assistance with adaptive cruise control. In addition, some used Tesla Model 3s may have been specified with “Enhanced Autopilot” (all Tesla Certified Pre-Owned models get this) or “Full Self-Driving Capability” at the cost of thousands of pounds. Despite the names and adding features such as lane change assistance and remote summon, neither of these is actually self-driving systems and both are classed as level 2 semi-automated driver assistance.
Used Tesla Model 3 price range
While it may seem like it’s been around on UK roads for much longer, the Tesla Model 3 was introduced just six years ago. Pre-facelift models can now be found for as little as £11,300 for a high-mileage car.
However, cars built towards the end of the first-gen Model 3’s life can still command a significant premium: we found a 2022 Model 3 Long Range with 12,000 miles on the clock with an asking price of £35,995. It is worth noting that a brand new second-gen Tesla Model 3 RWD with a 323-mile range comes with a £39,990 price tag.
Running costs
One of the biggest draws of the used Tesla Model 3 is its battery, and it can still hold its own in terms of efficiency and range. Naturally, how many miles you eke from your used Tesla Model 3 and how often you need to charge will depend on your driving style. Nonetheless, the entry-level Standard Range Plus with its 54kWh battery will cost just £3.78 to charge using an overnight EV charging tariff at 7p per kWh.
Charging for the more powerful used Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and pre-2020 facelift Performance models with their 75kWh batteries amount to a hardly-bank breaking £5.25 on the same tariff. Meanwhile, post-facelift used Tesla Model 3 Performance cars fitted with the bigger 82kWh unit will cost slightly more to charge at £5.75.
With a standard domestic charge rate of 27p/kWh, the cost to charge a used Tesla Model 3 with a 54kWh battery is £14.58, charging for the 75kWh cars amounts to £20.25, and charging for those that come with the 82kWh unit totals up to £22.14.
It is also worth noting that Tesla ownership also gains you access to its well-regarded public Supercharger network, offering ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 250kW and charging costs as low as 20p/kWh via a paid subscription. Switching ownership can be done via the Tesla app at a Tesla Center or by yourself.
Insurance and tax
The Tesla Model 3 falls into some of the UK’s highest car insurance groups, which start at category 41 and top out at category 50. Historical issues around parts supply and the complex ‘gigacasting’ of body panels have led to high repair costs and associated high premiums. The RWD Standard Range Plus is classed as a group 48 car, while the AWD Long Range and Performance models fall under group 50.
According to data from Confused.com, across all makes and models, the average cost of insurance for cars in insurance group 40 is around £1,036 per year. Meanwhile, while those in category 50 will set you back £1,563 each year.
On April 1 2025, EVs became taxable under new government legislation, meaning they are no longer road tax exempt. As such, all-electric cars registered from April 1 2017 onwards will now cost £195 per year in road tax.
Used Tesla Model 3 reliability
According to a What Car? reliability survey from February 2025, the Tesla Model 3 is still a dependable choice. It notched up a reliability score of 89.5% and ranked ninth on a list of 10 of the most reliable EVs on sale in the UK today, and even finished ahead of the slightly newer Polestar 2.
Tesla issued a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty with the Model 3, meaning cars from as far back as 2021 are still covered as long as they haven’t exceeded the mileage limit. Additionally, the Tesla Model 3’s battery and drivetrain are covered separately for eight years or 100,000 miles. Theoretically, a pre-facelift 2019 car could still benefit here. Tesla guarantees a minimum 70% battery capacity retention rate over the duration of the warranty. Tesla’s own data suggests that even at 10,000 miles a year, it will take 20 years for a Model 3’s battery to drop below 85% usable capacity
Faults to look for
Alongside the panel gaps and rattly trim we’ve already covered, earlier Model 3s also suffered from blistering paintwork and low-grade synthetic leather upholstery. Despite being mostly reliable, the battery and charging systems on the Tesla Model 3 have also required attention from Tesla Service.
Feedback on Tesla Centres (see, ‘dealerships’) was a mixed bag ranging from quick and professional services, to long waiting times, delays in obtaining parts, and inconsistent communication on behalf of the dealer network. Tesla’s app-based Mobile Service was just as varied, with some users finding it convenient while others faced scheduling difficulties.
Official recalls
Since 2019, there have been a total of nine Model 3 manufacturer recalls. The first was in 2020, when a bolt may not have been fitted to the steering column on certain vehicles. In 2021, there were a total of four recalls ranging from issues with insufficiently-torqued suspension laterals to side airbags incorrectly deploying. The following year, there were a total of three including a recall over rear-view camera harness failures, and issues with displaying units of speed.
An in-depth look at all used Tesla Model 3 recalls over the years is available here.
‘The one to have’
The 2020 facelift Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the pick of the bunch from these first-gen cars. Its 267-mile range is more than plenty for daily usage, considering the UK motorist drives an average of 583 miles per month.The black exterior trim found on these post-2020 models affords them a more premium, grown-up aesthetic over earlier cars, while the improved interior makes it a much more pleasant – albeit still minimalist – place to be.
In terms of pricing, the most expensive Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus we found for sale via a trade dealer was a one-owner car costing £23,400 with 27,445 miles on the clock. The cheapest was also a one-owner car costing £11,950; albeit a 2020 model having covered 111,000 miles.
By buying wisely and not jumping at a low-cost high-miler, there is also a chance that your used Tesla Model 3 will still be covered by the brand’s generous car and battery warranties.
