Tesla Model 3
The EV that changed the game — and the numbers still prove it.
CarCheckr Score
Excellent
Long Range AWD
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
What We Love
- Best-in-class range
- Supercharger network
- Rapid over-the-air updates
- Strong performance
Watch Out For
- No instrument cluster
- Ride can be firm
- Rear visibility poor
How to Buy This Car
Our recommendation on the best way to finance your purchase.
PCP works well here. Tesla's own financing is competitive, and the low running costs mean your total monthly outlay (finance + fuel saving) is often lower than a comparable ICE car on PCP.
Advantages
- Low running costs offset finance payments
- Tesla financing competitive
- Upgrade to next generation at end of term
Watch Out For
- Rapid model updates can affect GFV
- Mileage caps apply
This is our independent opinion based on the car's depreciation profile, reliability record, and typical finance rates. Always get personalised financial advice before committing.
Used Buying Guide
Buying a Used Tesla Model 3
What to look for — and what to avoid — when buying this car on the used market.
What to look for
- Highland refresh (2023–) is a significant upgrade — improved interior, better range, and revised suspension
- Battery health is verifiable via the Tesla app — always request a screenshot before buying
- Long Range AWD is the sweet spot — the extra range makes a meaningful difference to real-world usability
- Tesla's over-the-air updates mean older cars often have the same software features as new ones
- Supercharger access on used examples transfers to the new owner — a major practical advantage
Watch-outs
- Pre-2021 Model 3s had panel gap and paint quality issues — inspect bodywork carefully
- Check charging history — cars that have been DC fast-charged exclusively degrade faster
- Suspension wear on high-mileage examples can be expensive — budget for control arm replacement
- No physical instrument cluster means all driving information relies on the central screen — check for dead pixels
- Tesla's service history is app-based and can be incomplete — request full service records from Tesla directly
Our Verdict
The refreshed Model 3 Highland addresses most criticisms of the original. The interior is now genuinely premium, range is class-leading, and the Supercharger network remains unmatched. Still the EV benchmark.
How This Score Was Built
Every CarCheckr score combines multiple independent data sources, weighted by category.
Manufacturer Specs
Official performance & safety data
Owner Reports
Real-world reliability data from owners
Expert Testing
Independent road test results
Residual Values
Three-year depreciation data
Running Costs
Insurance, fuel & servicing costs
Safety Ratings
Euro NCAP crash test results
Key Details
- Make
- Tesla
- Model
- Model 3
- Year
- 2024
- Variant
- Long Range AWD
- Category
- Electric
- Price from
- £46,990
