2020 Tesla Model 3: Used car review

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The Tesla Model 3 first landed in Australia in 2019 and set about changing the game for the future of automotive power. Although it followed both the Tesla Model S and Model X, the Model 3’s success largely came from a price position that saw the car appeal to a mainstream buying audience. You could finally have everything you wanted from an executive sedan with a wholly electric drivetrain, in a car that looked modern and offered market-leading technology.

At launch, the Tesla Model 3 impressed the Drive team so much that it won the Best Electric Vehicle category in the 2020 Drive Car of the Year awards.

At the time Managing Editor, Trent Nikolic noted:

“With a program led by an Australian engineer, the Tesla Model 3's loose connection to our market increases the appeal of a car that continuously hits highs both on the EV front and on the car front.

“It's no longer a car that is simply compared to other EVs; it's a premium product that delivers smiles day in and day out.

“Starting from $67,900 (MSRP in 2020), the Model 3 offers up to 620km of driving range, and if you opt for the top-specification Performance model, can dispatch a 0–100km/h dash in just 3.4 seconds.

“The interior is minimalist but features the best infotainment system in the business, which comes in the form of a 15-inch display central to the cabin. With outstanding remote functionality, music streaming, high-definition maps and a range of semi-autonomous driving modes, the Model 3 hits it for six with technology fans.

“On the road, it's fun to drive, although the Performance model can be noisy at times due to its low-profile tyres. Find a set of corners and the all-wheel-drive models deliver engaging performance and a dynamic drive devoid of noise.

“That's why the Tesla Model 3 takes out our EV of the Year.”

How many Tesla Model 3 have been sold?

The Model 3 first went on sale in Australia in mid 2019 but the brand didn’t start reporting detailed sales figures until 2021. In January 2022, Drive reported new Tesla registrations (including Model 3, Model S and Model X) in 2019 of 2950 and 2020 of 3430, for a total of 6380 sales across the brand’s three models.

In 2021, Tesla started shifting significantly more vehicles, particularly Model 3. Sales jumped from a brand-wide average of approximately 3200 per year to over 12,000 deliveries of Model 3 alone. Things slowed slightly in 2022 (with the arrival of the Model Y SUV) but jumped again in 2023 to a record of 17,347 annual Model 3 sales. So far in 2024 the American brand has sold 15,753 Model 3 in Australia.

That means so far in 2024, of every 1000 new cars delivered, 17 are a Tesla Model 3.

What model Tesla Model 3 is the best?

The Tesla Model 3 has been sold in three different variants, albeit with a couple of different names, since it went on sale in 2019. Knowing which one to buy isn’t quite as simple as choosing a year and either an all-wheel-drive big-battery ‘Performance’, an all-wheel-drive big-battery ‘Long Range’ or a rear-drive standard-battery ‘Rear Wheel Drive’ or ‘Standard Range Plus’ though, as true to the technology company’s form, Tesla made lots of incremental changes to the cars through both hardware and software changes over the years.

Choosing a starting point isn’t hard though. The entry model really does provide the best taste of what the Model 3 can offer, with plenty of range from the standard battery pack, and more than enough oomph from the single electric motor. If you do worry about charging but don’t need outright pace, then consider a long-range model and of course, if you have a real need for speed, a Tesla Model 3 Performance is your jam.

Below is a table noting a top-line summary of the Model 3 range in each sales year. Note that purchase price (listed as MSRP before options and on-road costs) fluctuated along with the vehicle specification and that the first major facelift and update was added in late 2023 for the 2024 model year.

Drive recommends a 2021 or 2022 model year car, and if you can find one, one of the last ‘Standard Range Plus’ models as they scored a bigger battery and more power ahead of the spec and name change to Rear-Wheel drive.

Remember too, all Teslas can use the extensive Tesla charging network right around Australia.

Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 any good?

Here’s what the Drive team said back in 2019 and 2020 of the Tesla Model 3.

Model 3 Long Range:

“The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range impresses with its exceptional blend of performance, efficiency, and technology. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides a swift and exhilarating drive, while the extensive 614km range ensures you're rarely left searching for a charger. The ultra-clean interior, anchored by a 15.0-inch touchscreen, offers top-tier infotainment and tech features. Although the ride can be firm, it delivers a rewarding driving experience, cementing its place as a top contender in the EV market.”

Model 3 Standard Range Plus:

“Offering a robust 409km range and swift acceleration, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus delivers an impressive blend of performance and value. The minimalist interior, dominated by a sleek 15.0-inch touchscreen, showcases Tesla's advanced technology focus. Despite a firm ride, especially on larger wheels, with its engaging dynamics and cutting-edge features, the Tesla Model 3 is a standout in the EV space.”

Model 3 Performance:

“The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance sets a new benchmark for executive performance with its thrilling acceleration and agile handling. This electric powerhouse rockets from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and offers an impressive 530km range. Inside, the minimalist cabin features a single touchscreen that controls Tesla's cutting-edge tech. While the ride can be firm with its low-profile tyres, the Model 3 Performance delivers exhilarating performance and a dynamic driving experience that makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts.”

Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The Tesla Model 3 was offered with a four-year 80,000-kilometre warranty when new, which means that 2021 model-year cars will be approaching the end of their warranty period. As noted above, we recommend a 2021 or 2022 model car, but with any second-hand electric vehicle purchase, we recommend performing a battery health check, regardless of warranty.

Second-hand prices have dropped from where the new cars were positioned, with the higher-specification models the most adversely impacted. In good news for buyers, this means that there should be a choice of range or power available within your budget, even if it means you have to move up and down the model-year scale.

Where early cars were subject to some fit and finish issues, this was largely sorted out during warranty and initial ownership periods, and given the regular over-the-air (OTA) software updates, even technical glitches have mostly been attended too. Keep an eye on milage (some cars have been used for rideshare services) and do request a battery condition report.

Service costs are governed by condition more than time or distance intervals, and due to the nature of the electric platform, tend to be less expensive than equivalent petrol vehicles in terms of service costs. Insurance does tend to be higher on an electric vehicle than a petrol one however, so we would suggest you arrange a quote before committing to your purchase.

In terms of consumable items, Tesla recommends the following for Model 3 owners:

In terms of general reliability, Drive spoke with a service representative at mycar Tyre and Auto who said:

“As Tesla has quite a unique approach to servicing, most Tesla owners approach mycar for work related to their tyres. Interestingly, we've seen a significant increase in tyre life from the first to the second set, suggesting that those drivers transitioning from an ICE vehicle to an EV may find the instant torque a novelty, which increases tyre wear, but this novelty wears off by the time the second set of tyres is due. It is also possible that the initial wheel alignment and OTA [over-the-air] updates may also be influencing this.

“Our records also indicate that often while Tesla owners are at mycar for their tyres, they request our technicians investigate minor fit-and-finish issues. Common requests include inspections for rattles or squeaks, which are more noticeable due to the Model 3’s quietness – no engine noise means drivers notice sounds they might overlook in ICE vehicles.

“Overall, the drivetrain is solid – we haven’t seen any tow-ins due to drivetrain failures, which is impressive given the number of Model 3s on the road.”

Is there a Tesla Model 3 recall?

Since 2019, there have been 12 recall notices issued for Tesla Model 3. The details are listed below:

Should I buy a second-hand Tesla Model 3?

If you want to take a step to electric motoring, then there really is no better way to dip your toe in than with the car that set the benchmark for so many to follow. It may not be to everyone’s tastes, nor is it perfect in every way, but as a technology-leading, efficient sedan, that can make use of the extensive Tesla charging network, a pre-owned Model 3 is a solid choice.

Look for a car that has a documented service history, a favourable battery condition report and that has been looked after by its previous owners. You can search for used Tesla Model 3 currently available around Australia on Drive Marketplace.

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