Used Tesla Model 3 buying guide
A used Tesla Model 3 typically costs $26,000–$54,200 (2020–2023 cars, November 2026). It has 6 recalls in Australia, all with a free fix. Battery warranty: 8 yrs / 160,000 km (Long Range and Performance 192,000 km). Here's what to pay, what goes wrong and what to check.
Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. May show an overseas version or a related model.
Is this used Tesla Model 3 a fair price?
Enter the year, kilometres and asking price to see where it sits against typical prices.
Used Tesla Model 3 prices by year
Typical November 2026 prices. Each range spans the versions sold that year, from the base model to the top one; kilometres and condition move a car within it.
2019–23 (before the 2024 update)
491 km range (claimed), 170 kW fast charging (CCS2). Figures for the 2021–23 rear-drive car; 2019–20 Standard Range Plus: about 50 kWh, 448 km.
- 2023$33,500–$54,200About 5 years of battery warranty left
- 2022$31,000–$49,800 (estimate)About 4 years of battery warranty left
- 2021$28,500–$45,500 (estimate)About 3 years of battery warranty left
- 2020$26,000–$41,100About 2 years of battery warranty left
Warranty left is counted from the year the car was first sold, so check the exact date it was first registered.
Tesla Model 3 recalls in Australia (6)
Every recall has a free fix at a dealer, so a recall doesn't rule a car out. Make sure each one was done: ask for the paperwork or enter the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
- Safety Software fault can cut power steering assist. (2022–23, REC-006300)
- Safety Screen can overheat while fast charging and go blank, losing the camera, wipers and warning lights. (2021–22, REC-005441)
- Safety Rear camera cable can wear through from opening the boot, so the camera stops working. (2017–20, REC-005040)
- Safety Brake caliper bolts may not be tight enough. (2019–20, REC-001653)
- Safety Bonnet latch may not warn that the bonnet is open. (2020–24, REC-006042)
- Safety Tail lights may not work. (2022, REC-005571)
Common Tesla Model 3 problems owners report
- Phantom braking: the car can brake suddenly on cruise control or Autopilot with nothing ahead, often under bridges. (australiancar.reviews)
- Interior rattles and creaks, and paint chips (especially black) are common complaints. (australiancar.reviews)
Battery and warranty
8 yrs / 160,000 km (Long Range and Performance 192,000 km). The warranty runs from when the car was first sold, so a 2020 car has about 2 years left and a 2023 car about 5 years left. Ask for a battery health (state of health) report before you buy: how to check the battery, including independent tests from about $200. If it ever needs one: what a new battery costs.
Running costs
At 250 km a week with NSW prices, a 2019–23 (before the 2024 update) Tesla Model 3 costs about $12 a week charged mostly at home, or $23 on public fast chargers. See the full Tesla Model 3 page for running costs in your state, servicing and the new-car price.
Checklist for a used Tesla Model 3
- Most Tesla recalls are fixed over the air: check Software in the car is up to date.
- Check for water in the boot and under the floor.
- Tesla has no service-book stamps; ask for the service history in the owner's Tesla app.
- Do a PPSR check for finance owing or a written-off history.
- Check the charging cables come with it, and take our used EV checklist.
Compare before you buy
- Pick my used car: our top three used picks for your budget and driving.
- Best used EVs and hybrids by budget
- Used price checker for other cars
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Common questions
How much is a used Tesla Model 3 in Australia?
Typically $26,000–$54,200 for 2020–2023 cars (November 2026), depending on the year, version, kilometres and condition.
Does the Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes, 6 in Australia. All have a free fix. Check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au to make sure they were done.
What is the battery warranty on a used Tesla Model 3?
8 yrs / 160,000 km (Long Range and Performance 192,000 km). It transfers to the next owner and runs from when the car was first sold, so check how much is left.
Is a used Tesla Model 3 a good buy?
It's worth a look if the recalls were done and the price is right. Owners report a few known issues, listed on this page, so check for those. It makes most sense if you can charge at home.
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.