Used Tesla Model 3: battery, costs, and resale value
Published:
11.09.2026
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most well-known electric vehicle options in Finland. Buying a used Model 3 can get you behind the wheel at a significantly lower price than a new one, but you shouldn't focus solely on the price tag when choosing a car. Battery condition, mileage, vehicle history, and future maintenance costs all play a role in determining how good of a deal any individual car turns out to be. There can also be differences between model years and trim levels.
In this article, we'll go over what's worth looking into if you're planning to buy a used Tesla Model 3.
Article Summary
The prices of used Model 3 vehicles in Saka's inventory have ranged between €18,000 and €46,000, while the base prices for new model versions are approximately €37,000–€60,000 according to Tesla's website. Resale value is influenced by the vehicle's age, mileage, model version, drivetrain, features, and condition, as well as the overall used car market. Price changes for new Model 3 vehicles can also be reflected in the pricing of used ones.
Model 3 maintenance differs from that of a traditional combustion engine vehicle, as the car does not require annual scheduled maintenance or, for example, engine oil changes. When purchasing a used vehicle, attention should be paid to the car's overall condition and history, as well as the battery's health and remaining warranty.
Is the Tesla Model 3 a reliable car?
In general, yes, the Tesla Model 3 is a reliable car. As we write on the Tesla Model 3 model page: "The Tesla Model 3 is a car that permanently changed our perception of electric driving. Launched in 2017, this mid-size sedan combines long range, brisk performance, and a software-driven user experience. Its quiet powertrain and strong energy efficiency make it a practical choice for both city driving and longer trips."
However, as with any car, the reliability of a used Tesla in particular is always influenced by several factors. The most significant are the model year, mileage, driving conditions, and the vehicle's history.
When evaluating a used car, it's worth carefully inspecting things like the suspension, tires, brakes, body, electrical functions, and charging performance. What matters is not just how reliable the Tesla Model 3 is generally considered to be, but what condition the specific vehicle you're considering is actually in.
What is the price of a used Tesla Model 3?
The price of a used Tesla Model 3 varies considerably based on the model year, mileage, model version, drivetrain, features, and the car's condition.
For example, our inventory at Saka has included cars priced as low as €18,000 and as high as €46,000. The selection and prices change constantly, so these figures primarily illustrate just how wide the price range for used Model 3 vehicles can be.
Below is an illustrative example of those two vehicles.
Feature | Model 3 Long Range AWD | Model 3 Standard Range Plus |
Model Year | 2024 | 2020 |
Mileage | 24,000 km | 182,000 km |
Price | €45,990 | €18,200 |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Range* | 629 km | 491 km |
Version | Long Range | Standard Range Plus |
* Range as stated in the listing.
The price of a used Tesla Model 3 is particularly influenced by the model year, mileage, and model version. The nearly €28,000 price difference between the example vehicles is largely explained by these factors.
How much does a new Tesla Model 3 cost?
The price of a new Tesla Model 3 depends on the chosen model version, features, and Tesla's current pricing. For this reason, it's always best to check the most up-to-date pricing directly on Tesla's website. In September 2026, the base prices for the model versions were defined as follows:
- Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive €36,990
- Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive €44,990
- Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive €49,990
- Performance All-Wheel Drive €59,990
Is it worth buying a used Tesla Model 3?
A well-maintained vehicle in good condition can be an excellent option if the goal is to get an electric car for less than the price of a new one. With a used car, the steepest initial depreciation has already occurred at least in part, so the same budget may allow you to get, for example, a more powerful or better-equipped model version.
That said, when buying a used car, it's important to thoroughly research its condition and history. Check the car's service and accident history, battery health, and any remaining warranties. Mileage and the car's overall condition are also important factors to consider when evaluating the full picture.
If a well-maintained Tesla Model 3 that's a few years old is significantly cheaper than a new one and meets your needs in terms of features, a used vehicle offers a very compelling value proposition.
What should you look for when buying a used Model 3?
When buying a used Tesla Model 3, it's important to consider the model year, mileage, history, and any potential damage, as well as to check the condition of the tires, brakes, suspension, and body. Also make sure that charging works normally and that the accessories included with the car match what was listed.
The battery's performance and remaining warranty deserve particularly close attention. In the following section, we'll take a closer look at battery longevity and Tesla's warranty terms.
How long does the Model 3 battery last?
The Tesla Model 3 battery is designed for long-term use, but as with all electric vehicle batteries, its capacity may gradually decrease over time and with use. When buying a used car, the odometer reading alone therefore doesn't tell the whole story about the battery's condition. It's worth paying attention to the range the car reports, any battery-related warning messages, and the vehicle's warranty information.
Under Tesla's current warranty terms, the Model 3 RWD battery and drivetrain warranty covers eight years or 160,000 kilometers, and for Long Range and Performance versions, eight years or 192,000 kilometers. The limit is whichever comes first — time or mileage. In both cases, the battery capacity must be retained at a minimum of 70 percent during the warranty period.
Is the Tesla Model 3 expensive to maintain?
The maintenance costs of an electric vehicle are structured somewhat differently than those of a gasoline or diesel car. Running costs mainly come from charging, tire replacement, insurance, brake maintenance, inspections, and any repairs or replacement of wear items. The Model 3 does not have a traditional annual scheduled service, but Tesla does recommend certain inspections and maintenance procedures at regular intervals.
As with any car, driving style also affects running costs. Hard acceleration, for example, can speed up tire wear and increase energy consumption. A smoother driving style, on the other hand, can reduce consumption and extend tire life. Maintenance costs are therefore influenced not only by the car itself, but also by how much you drive, how you drive, and where and how you charge.
How much does servicing cost?
You can expect to budget around €150–€300 for a single basic service visit. Depending on what's needed, this may include inspections, filter replacements, or brake maintenance. However, since the Tesla Model 3 does not have a traditional annual scheduled service, maintenance needs and costs can vary significantly from year to year.
Tesla recommends replacing the Model 3 cabin air filter every two years and checking the brake fluid condition every four years. Tire rotations are recommended every 10,000 kilometers or when the difference in tread depth is at least 1.5 millimeters. In Finland, it's especially worth noting that brake caliper cleaning and lubrication is recommended either annually or every 20,000 kilometers if the car is driven on salted roads in winter.
What is the resale value of the Tesla Model 3?
The resale value of a Tesla Model 3 naturally depends on the specific vehicle and the market conditions at the time of sale. The price level of used electric vehicles is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, as well as the prices of new vehicles.
In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at the factors that affect resale value and offer tips on how to help a car retain its value.
What factors affect the resale value of a used Tesla?
Many of the same factors that affect the value of other cars also apply to used Teslas. The car's age and mileage are the most significant factors, but overall condition, service and accident history, features, and model version also influence how desirable the car is. For electric vehicles, particular attention is also paid to the battery's condition.
In addition, price changes for new Tesla Model 3 vehicles can be reflected in the pricing of used ones. If the price of a comparable new car drops significantly, it can also affect the market value of older Model 3 vehicles. Similarly, shifts in supply and demand influence what price you can realistically get for the car at the time of sale.
How well does the Model 3 hold its value?
Value retention can be illustrated by comparing, for example, the original prices of the Long Range AWD version with the asking prices of used vehicles: The starting price of a 2019–2020 Model 3 Long Range AWD in Finland was approximately €60,000–€63,000. In September 2026, asking prices for comparable used vehicles were mostly in the range of approximately €20,000–€25,000, meaning the value had dropped by roughly 60 percent from the original price level. For 2021 model year vehicles, asking prices were typically around €25,000–€30,000, and for 2022 models around €28,000–€33,000, so the depreciation was naturally somewhat smaller for newer model years.
Tesla's own price changes over the years have affected the market value of used Model 3 vehicles, meaning depreciation has not been linear. The September 2026 asking prices also clearly reflect the significant impact of mileage. For example, 2021 Long Range AWD vehicles with around 150,000–180,000 kilometers are available for under €23,000, while cars with around 60,000 kilometers are priced close to €30,000.
Depreciation cannot be prevented entirely, but keeping the car in good condition can influence how appealing it remains to the next buyer. It's worth keeping records of regular maintenance and repairs, and addressing any issues promptly. A clean exterior and interior, along with tires and brakes in good condition, also contribute to the car's overall appearance and condition.
Summary: Is a used Tesla Model 3 a good buy?
Yes, a well-maintained vehicle in good condition can be an excellent purchase. Another advantage of used Model 3 vehicles is the variety available — there are different model years, versions, and drivetrains across a wide range of price points. Not everyone necessarily needs the latest model or the version with the longest range; what matters more is finding a car that fits your driving needs and budget, and that has a solid condition and history.
Browse Saka's inventory and find a used Tesla Model 3 that suits your needs. If you need help choosing a vehicle, you're welcome to discuss your options with our knowledgeable sales staff at any of our dealerships. You can find the addresses of our locations here.
Sources
Nettiauto – Used Tesla Model 3 Prices
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