Affording a Tesla Model 3: Tips for Finding the Right Used Car at a Competitive Price

2023-06-11 07:00:00

Tempting, the Tesla Model 3, but sought following. At least the first times. Today, second-hand prices tend to drop and affording this Tesla is no longer a pipe dream, but pay attention to the specifics.

For a long time, Teslas were exclusively reserved for well-to-do scholarships. Because there was only the large Model S (4.98 m) for purchase, with a price of around, or even exceeding, €100,000. With such a price in the nine, it was not necessary either to hope for a miracle in occasion. But the situation has changed considerably with the “small” Model 3 (4.69 m). Not to mention a much more attractive price in the dealership, sometimes downright competitive with the CO2 bonus and the sudden price reductions decided by the brand to increase volume in a few weeks, the prices become interesting on occasion. The first “3” are trading today a little below €30,000. And don’t think that mileage is a deterrent. If copies approaching 200,000 km are not rare, they are not the majority either, far from it. most of the time, the models for sale have between 50,000 and 70,000 kilometers. In other words, short distances for cars whose mechanics are less complex than heat engines and are less subject to the ravages of time.. In addition, opting for the small Tesla has several advantages, with great autonomy and access to a developed and efficient charging network. That said, finding the right used Model 3 is not easy.

Not all Tesla Model 3s are alike

Between remote updates, subscription options, the waltz of powers and battery technologies, sometimes motors, difficult to navigate. Logic dictates that the most recent models are the most successful and interesting, but the adage has its exceptions., such as the Performance, more efficient (performance and range) in a 2021 vintage than 2022, or the extremely rare “Unicorn”, the first Propulsion of 2022 taking advantage of the 60 kWh battery, but retaining the more powerful motor of 2021. The level of equipment also evolves with the version and the years. It is therefore necessary to be even more vigilant than when buying a classic car.

La Tesla Model 3.© Alex Krassovsky

Read also: is selling your Tesla Model 3 a hassle?

On the driving side, the mechanical tone, the monastic silence that reigns on board in town, the ease of handling and the good visibility are immediately appealing, as is the good general behavior of the car.. Good point, also, concerning the well-managed regenerative braking and in agreement with its mechanical counterpart. On the comfort side, on the other hand, you have to deal with firm damping, even if it is fortunately not unbearable. What can be, however, is the general presentation of the cabin and the quality of the realization. The plastics are generally not very rewarding and some adjustments prove to be approximate.

The reliability of the Tesla Model 3

Mechanical reliability

The Model 3 does nothing like the others. And so does fixing the issues that its users may encounter. Thus, remote software updates are regularly carried out, by the will of its driver, or not. They concern both charging (to make it faster) and leisure functions. But this function also makes it possible to solve certain problems without going to the workshop… and in complete discretion.

Reliability of other elements

  • Rear windows: Cases of rear door windows exploding for no reason have been recorded.
  • Running gears: Many owners complain of squealing noises in the front gear. Changing triangles is sometimes necessary, but not always supported. Incorrect steering knuckle on models assembled between June 2020 and November 2021. Replacement in workshop, recall.
  • Brakes: Poor fixing of the calipers causing friction once morest the rim. 2019 to early 2021 models, recall.
  • Seat belts: Incorrect tightening of the front seat belt mounting bolts. Models 2018 to mid-2020. Reminder.
  • Reversing camera: The beam of the latter can break with the openings/closings of the tailgate. 2019-2020 models, recall.
  • Interior of the Tesla Model 3.© Alex Krassovsky

Which engine to choose before buying a used Tesla Model 3?

Motorization Power Official autonomy Our remarks
MotorizationPropulsion Power271 to
321 ch
Official autonomy409 to
448 km
Our remarksSingle engine version. 50 kWh battery at start
career, 55 kWh at the end of 2020 then 60 kWh in 2022.
MotorizationGreat Autonomy Power324 ch Official autonomy560 to
626 km
Our remarksTwo engines. 78 kWh battery, extended range
at 580 km in 2020, battery 79 kWh (626 km) in 2022.
MotorizationPerformance Power506 ch Official autonomy530 to
580 km
Our remarksTwo engines. 78 kWh battery, 80 kWh in 2021 then
reduction of their capacity in 2022 (range 550 km).

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#reliability #issues #buying

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