Should you buy a new Tesla Model 3, or is a used one better?

The new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is the most affordable version of the brand’s electric saloon car, and when I drove it in February I was hugely impressed by what you get for your money.

For £37,990, or £299 per month, you get a spacious, well-equipped and efficient EV which is also really good to drive. Seems like a bargain, but I’d save even more money and buy one second hand. Here’s why.

Why I’d buy a used Tesla Model 3 instead of a new one

At £37,990, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is already around £7,000 cheaper than a Polestar 2 or Mercedes CLA EV. However, I’ve found a proper bargain on Carwow.

This is a 2025 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive with less than 3,000 miles on the clock, and it’s up for just £32,000. That’s a huge saving over the cost of a brand new car, and Teslas also get excellent manufacturer support on the used market.

Over-the-air updates mean your car will still get all the latest software features at the same time as a new one would, and you get full access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network.

Tesla updated the Model 3 lineup in February 2026, and the Rear-Wheel Drive version is now a slightly stripped-back and affordable model. However, this used example is from before that update, meaning it still has a full leather interior, ambient lighting with various colour options and slightly more sophisticated suspension setup which makes it a bit more comfortable than the new Rear-Wheel Drive car.

It also has up to 344 miles of range, which is 12 miles more than the new Rear-Wheel Drive, and it’ll do 0-60mph in a spritely 5.8 seconds.

Is the Tesla Model 3 a good car?

In short, yes it is. The Tesla Model 3 is a great family car, with loads of standard equipment at a competitive price.

All cars get electric heated seats, a panoramic glass roof, a 15.4-inch touchscreen which is easy to use and adaptive cruise control. And this comes at a price which undercuts alternatives like the Polestar 2 and Mercedes CLA EV.

The Model 3 is also really good to drive. You get a great view forwards, the steering is light and the suspension does a decent job of ironing out bumps in the road. The CLA EV is slightly more comfortable, but there’s not much in it.

You get loads of interior space as well, with roomy rear seats and plenty of cavernous cubby holes to store your bits and bobs. Add in a generous boot and a massive front boot and you have a car which is much more practical than something like a BMW i4.

Are there any drawbacks to the Tesla Model 3?

As with any car, there are a few pitfalls to consider before buying a Tesla Model 3. The first is found inside, because the interior quality isn’t quite as good as a Polestar 2. The total lack of buttons inside might not appeal to everyone either, and if this sounds like you then check out the Kia EV4 Fastback.

Then there’s the styling, which is a little bit anonymous. If you want your electric car to stand out, then check out the Peugeot 3008. That car has a much more funky-looking interior as well.

And finally, if it’s fun you’re after, the BMW i4 feels more agile on a twisty road. The Model 3 is still very impressive through the corners, but it feels a bit disconnected compared to the BMW.

But these niggles are easy to forget when you remember how much money you’re saving by getting the Tesla Model 3, and I reckon a used example is one of the best-value EVs you can buy.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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