41 used Tesla Model 3 cars for sale

Tesla launched in 2003 with the aim of producing only electric vehicles. Its success was limited until the introduction of the Model 3, which somewhat changed the game for the American company. Unveiled in 2017, the Model 3 didn’t arrive in the UK until 2019. This four-door, five-seat saloon is available in three variants: Standard Range Plus (later dubbed simply ‘Model 3’), Long Range and Performance.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find this vehicle is well-equipped. The difference between the trims mainly lies in the range of miles they can cover in one charge, which varies from 254 to 438 miles.

Tesla Model 3 updates and facelifts

In an increasingly competitive segment, the Model 3’s prowess as a capable and well-designed electric vehicle is demonstrated by the awards it has won. In 2020 it was named UK Car of the Year, and in 2021 it received the Best Small Electric Car award at the Parkers New Car Awards. The following year, Autocar named it Best Company Car.

Despite strong competition from the Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW i4 and Polestar 2, this executive car remains at the forefront of EV engineering. In the summer of 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car in the world to sell more than one million units. This is testament to its exceptional levels of performance, cutting-edge technology and zero-emissions power.

The Tesla Model 3 has undergone small changes over the years since its launch. In late 2020, a heat pump was added to the Model 3 to improve range and cold-weather performance. With this update also came a powered tailgate, new wheel designs and a refreshed centre console. The Performance variant was also given an 82kWh battery instead of the previous 75kWh unit.

Towards the end of 2021, the entry-level trim had heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel added to its array of standard equipment.

Practicality and style of the car

One of the advantages of building an EV from the ground up is the level of storage on offer. In addition to the Model 3’s boot, it has a small compartment under the bonnet. This is ideal for storing charging cables or two small, soft bags. The total cargo volume is 425 cubic litres, which is plenty for your day-to-day needs, or a couple of suitcases when required. Compared to rivals, the Model 3’s luggage capacity is respectable, almost matching that of the Polestar 2. To expand the load space, the rear seats can be easily dropped.

If you’re looking to tow with a used Tesla Model 3, you’ll need to choose a used model that has been fitted with the optional tow-hitch. These cannot be fitted retrospectively. The vehicle can accommodate braked weights of up to 1,000kg (Model 3 and Long Range only), meaning it can pull a small two-berth caravan.

Running costs

As a high-performance electric car, the Tesla Model 3 occupies groups 48–50 out of 50 for insurance. Premiums can be offset by the fact that the vehicle is entirely exempt from road tax. The Model 3 is also exempt from Clean Air Zone charges including congestion, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) fees.

How a used Tesla Model 3 drives

The Tesla Model 3 comes in three variations: Model 3 (formerly Standard Range Plus), Long Range and Performance. The Model 3 has a single motor and rear-wheel drive setup, making it light and agile. With an output of 242bhp, it can reach 62mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds.

The Long Range adds a second electric motor to the front axle, making the model all-wheel drive. The combined output of both motors is 346bhp, which reduces the variant’s 0-62mph time to just 4.2 seconds. Choose the Performance for the most responsive drive. With its dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, this edition produces 450bhp and can get from 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds. That’s quick enough to rival top supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan.

When it comes to range, the Model 3 certainly impresses. The standard Model 3 is ideally suited to urban and suburban driving, covering up to 254 miles on a single charge. Choose the Long Range if you tend to cover longer distances, as this has a range of 348 miles. The Performance sits between the two with a range of 329 miles.

Charging the Model 3 with a standard 7.4kW home wallbox takes approximately nine hours. For the Long Range and Performance iterations, which have a larger battery, a full charge will take 12 hours. Stop at a Tesla Supercharger and the base model can top up from 10–80% in less than 30 minutes.

Features you can expect in Tesla Model 3

Interior

With its minimalist design and generous dimensions, the Tesla Model 3 is a spacious car to travel in. It accommodates four adults with ease thanks to ample leg and headroom. It’s well-suited to family journeys too, allowing three children to fit comfortably in the back. In terms of storage, there’s plenty of room for your belongings, with cubbies on the centre console as well as a good-size glovebox.

Behind the wheel, drivers will find it easy to get comfy thanks to 12-way electric seat adjustment. Visibility is excellent too thanks to slim pillars and large windows. Plus, with comfy materials such as cloth, vegan leather and high-quality finishes like the wooden dashboard, the Model 3 ensures all occupants will be kept comfortable.

The Model 3 takes a tech-first approach to its interior. The dash is dominated by a prominent 15-inch touchscreen with high-res graphics and quick loading times. One-third of the screen is dedicated to driving data, replacing the traditional instrument cluster. The rest provides access to multimedia and navigation functions. It’s worth noting that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported in this car; instead, Tesla offers its own smartphone integration system. That means you can still use compatible apps via the touchscreen.

Technology

The Model 3 disposes of most physical buttons and switches, operating everything via the 15-inch touchscreen display. Everything from phone calls to heated seat controls is accessed digitally. The electric tailgate is one of the few things that can be operated by a button, which sits at the rear of the car.

Tesla ensures all its Model 3 variants come with a raft of innovative technology, including wireless smartphone charging and powered door mirrors. You can also subscribe to the brand’s premium connectivity service, which includes live traffic updates and internet browsing. Stepping up to the Long Range variant adds an upgraded 14-speaker audio system and LED fog lights.

Safety

The Tesla Model 3 excels when it comes to safety, boasting a full five-star rating from industry experts Euro NCAP. With an adult occupant protection score of 96%, it’s one of the safest cars in production, besting the Polestar 2 and BMW i4 on this front. The car’s child occupant protection score is 86%. Children can be transported safely thanks to ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the outer rear seats.

One of the most advanced features of the vehicle is the semi-autonomous Autopilot system, which includes autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The former helps you to avoid low-speed collisions and the latter helps you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front during motorway cruising.

For Teslas produced from 2021 onwards, the Full Self-Drive Capability pack is an optional extra, which may be available on some used models. This enables the car to effectively drive itself on the motorway, including making lane changes and overtaking. Of course, the driver will still need to actively supervise.

Trims available on the Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 Standard

The entry-level Model 3 comes with a generous level of kit, including a panoramic roof and powered tailgate. Inside are climate control, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a 15-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and sat nav. Wireless smartphone charging enables you to top up your phone battery on the go. It also features the Autopilot system, which incorporates autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

The Long Range variant adds a 14-speaker sound system, LED fog lights and interior floor mats.

Tesla Model 3 Performance

This flagship trim comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a carbon fibre spoiler, upgraded brakes and lowered suspension. Inside are aluminium alloy pedals and there’s also a track driving mode.

Whether you’re looking to finance a Tesla Model 3 or purchase one, we have a wide range of second-hand Tesla Model 3 cars available to buy online safely with Click & Collect and home delivery options available.

Search our stock of used Tesla Model 3 cars for sale.