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30,000 Tesla’s

Remember: in 2019, nearly 30,000 Tesla Model 3s were registered in the Netherlands. In December of that year alone, the brand sold 11,000 units. They were mostly lease drivers eager to take advantage of the low additional tax rate, which at the time was fixed for five years.

We are now five years on, and many of those Model 3s are now appearing on the used market. The result? The prices of a Tesla Model 3 are dropping significantly. For about 15,000 euros you can already find one on used car sites such as viaBovag.nl and it is quite possible that prices will drop even further.

But is it actually a good idea to buy a used Model 3 for 15,000 euros or less? AutoRAI.nl editor Roland Tameling and Simon Kopinsky, Choice Coach at viaBovag.nl, discuss all the important points to consider in this article and the video below.

Exterior concerns

Finish and build quality: There are reports of major differences in the finish and build quality between Model 3s. One car can be nearly perfect, while another suffers from all sorts of annoying problems.

A common issue is the alignment of the body panels. Therefore, check carefully that all seams and lines line up neatly. This sometimes makes it difficult to tell whether a car has been in an accident or simply came from the factory with large gaps. The latter is – “fortunately” – often the case.

Paint: The quality of the paint also varies greatly from one car to another. Some cars already suffer from scratches, cracks or unevenness from the factory. Therefore, check the condition of the paint extra carefully. If you see that it has PPF film on it, that’s a good sign – the previous owner was probably careful with his car.

Trim: Note the black trim running from the A-pillar to the door mirror. This can detach from the door. The same goes for the thin “Model 3” sticker on the sill, which is also easily damaged.

Headlights and taillights: Some Model 3s suffer from condensation in the headlight and taillight units. Check this carefully, as it may indicate seal problems.

Wheel covers: Some owners remove the plastic Aerodynamic wheel covers because they find the car more beautiful without them. However, this has an impact on the range. Check if the original Aero hoods are still there. They may come in handy if you want maximum efficiency.

Glass roof: Check the glass roof carefully for cracks or tears. A cracked roof may indicate that the Model 3 has suffered a severe impact. A crack may also have occurred during hot securing of roof racks.

Luggage door: As of the end of 2020, the luggage door is electrically operated, and it should open smoothly and without strange noises. In older models, water can run into the luggage compartment when the lid is opened. This is due to poorly sealing rubbers. Therefore, check for traces of water or moisture in the luggage compartment.

Reverse camera: The cable to the camera in the luggage cover can be damaged – often by water damage, see the point above – so the camera no longer gives an image. This happens frequently, so test the camera well during the inspection.

Charging cable and damage: The charging cables at Superchargers are usually quite short, requiring users to park the car close to the charging station. In some cases, this has resulted in damage to the left rear of the car due to collisions with the charging pole. Therefore, check the left rear side carefully for damage.

Points of interest interior

Center console: In early Tesla Model 3s, the piano lacquer finish in the center console is of lower quality. This was improved later – as in the interior pictured below – but you often see scratches or wear on pre-2021 specimens. So check carefully to make sure the finish is in clean condition.

Screen: The 15-inch touchscreen is one of the most important part of the car because you control everything with it. Check that there are no dead pixels and that the screen responds quickly and smoothly.  

Windows: Frameless windows give the Model 3 a stylish look, but they are less sturdy than regular windows. Many owners open and close the doors by gripping the windows. This can cause problems with the window motors. During the inspection, test that the windows open and close properly without problems.

Upholstery: Synthetic leather upholstery is prone to wear and tear. Especially the white seats may show blue stains from issued jeans. Check that the seats are still in good condition.

Assistance systems: Check through the on-board computer to see if the car has the promised systems, such as “Enhanced Autopilot” or “Full Self-Driving Capability. These systems can significantly increase the car’s value and functionality.

Key system: The Model 3 does not use traditional keys, but rather a card or app. Make sure both are working properly and that the previous owner has been completely removed from the system. This will help you avoid surprises, such as unwanted access or strange actions with the car.

Points of attention technology

Wishbones: On many Model 3s, the front suspension can make noise, indicating that the wishbones are in need of replacement. Many examples have already had this replaced under warranty, so check with the owner to see if this was done.

Brakes: Also check the brakes. Because electric cars use their brakes less intensively, they can rust or jam more quickly. During an inspection, watch for signs of rust or corrosion, and while driving, listen carefully for any squeaking or scraping noises. This may indicate wear or brakes sticking.  

Plus points- Why should you consider a Model 3?

Although there are many points of interest to check, that does not mean that the Model 3 has only problems. On the contrary, most examples are trouble-free and major chronic defects are rare. It is one of the best-selling models in the world for a reason. The quality of older models may not always be top-notch, but on a technical level Tesla has it right. The Tesla Model 3 was ahead in many areas when it was introduced, and thanks to that lead, the early models can still hold their own in terms of specifications. Below we list some of the strengths of a used Model 3:

Over-the-air updates: The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with over-the-air updates from the beginning. Just like a smartphone, the car’s software stays up-to-date, so it always has the latest features and improvements.

Battery: An electric car’s battery loses capacity over time, but it doesn’t appear to be too bad at Tesla. No major problems have been reported, and most Model 3s maintain their range surprisingly well. Fully charge the car to see what the estimated range indicates. In the video, we show you how to perform a so-called SOH (state-of-health) test via the on-board computer.

Safety: Safety is a big plus for the Model 3. In the 2019 Euro NCAP crash test, it earned the maximum score of five stars, and there are numerous examples of serious accidents where the occupants got away unscathed. That says a lot about the robustness and safety of this car.

Conclusion – Tesla Model 3 for 15,000 euros, to do or not to do?

The Tesla Model 3 may not be the most perfectly finished car in the world, but its strengths make up for a lot. Its technical foundation is solid and there are no chronic flaws except for the wishbones. You enjoy a solid range, continuous over-the-air updates and access to the Supercharger network, which also makes it great for vacations abroad. If you can find a Model 3 for around 15,000 euros, you are simply getting great value for money, but of course check all the points we mentioned above.