Model 3 on a budget
Model 3 on a budget
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CSR Performance

Original Poster:

692 posts

18 months

Monday 24th August
quotequote all
Looking for a new car sometime in the next 6 months or so. Budget around £12-14k. Surprisingly (to me at least) that opens up quite a selection of Model 3s.

No interest in FSD, don't need long range, not fussed about being a hi-po model as its for family duties and commuting on 50mph roads.

Deal breakers are: heated seats, good phone connectivity for playing music and podcasts/audiobooks, indicators on a stalk (don't think this is an issue at my price point) and app/timer to set cabin HVAC before leaving for work. Radar cruise would be nice - appears to be standard across the board?

I would like to have a useable car with some resale value after 5 years, but I have zero experience with Tesla cars, apart from a very short drive in a Model S about 6 years ago, so I'm not sure if what I want is feasible within budget.

Advice welcomed please?

page3

5,193 posts

281 months

Monday 24th August
quotequote all
That’s every Model 3 ever made, so just buy the best one you can find on condition.

Danm1les

1,018 posts

170 months

Friday 28th August
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You should be able to find loads at that price point, if you can sneak into a 2021+ standard range at that price, that would be ideal.

I bought a 2020 standard range last summer for £12k and its been great and not had any issues.

CSR Performance

Original Poster:

692 posts

18 months

Tuesday
quotequote all
Thanks both. I'm sure I read something about the post 2020/21 cars being a safer bet, but not sure why.

If they all have everything on the list then it should be an easy enough decision!

Zcd1

715 posts

85 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
CSR Performance said:
Thanks both. I'm sure I read something about the post 2020/21 cars being a safer bet, but not sure why.

If they all have everything on the list then it should be an easy enough decision!
'22+ have a slightly larger battery, revised suspension and more sound deadening material - a nicer overall drive than the previous cars.

We own both a '22 and an '18, and the differences are noticeable if you pay attention, though the '18 is hardly a hardship to pilot.