So a 10K Model 3 in a Dealership I Bought It Expensive and After 4 Years of Degradation I Only Have One Regret

After about 128,000 miles in his Tesla Model 3, this owner's brutally honest 4-year review reveals what most EV ads never tell you, especially about battery life, winter driving, and real savings.

When it comes to electric vehicles, real-world experiences often paint the most vivid pictures of ownership. Recently, a reader named J Frazier shared his four-year journey with his Tesla Model 3, offering a candid look into the highs and lows of long-term EV ownership.​

In his comment under my previous story, titled "55,000 Miles In, I Absolutely Love My Tesla Model 3, But I Am Only Getting 145 Miles At Full Charge," J Frazier detailed:​

"Even though standard drive trim in a Tesla Model 3 is the most inexpensive car to purchase, it is just that. I have a coworker that chose that trim and realized he should have picked the Model 3's Dual Motor trim. Again, this is a tumultuous decision with no experience in the Tesla company and he went the cheapest way. Still a good commuter, and he did take it for a couple thousand miles trip. And with the advantage of charging network in place he did go the distance with experiencing more wait times in charging...​

I myself purchased a Model 3 right after Covid and with "supply and demand era" in motion I refused to wait for a new model for 6 months. Thus, I bought a 10k model parked in the Tesla's dealership lot. I went ahead and made the expensive purchase.​

My only regret was, if I waited a whole year I would have paid significantly less on a new one. But when it comes to my decision in taking the Long Range it's almost perfect for my purposes. I do a 160-mile round trip up to 4 times a week. Real world range was supposed to be 310 miles per full charge, and in the beginning it was almost dead on. But as time progressed it dropped at round 30k miles to around 270-280 miles.​

I was putting 32,000 miles a year on the car. On my 4th year the degradation is a round 240-260 miles, and I am still satisfied with my decision. I do complete round trips with my Model 3 without a charge with the exception of colder seasonal climates of Dec-March where I do a 10-15% charge at a charging station in my commute because of increased demand on the charge.​

Still overall significant savings even after 4 years. No oil changes and only one costly expense and had the monitor replaced when the warranty was already run out. That was $1500.00. But that only dipped my savings in one year from $2k in savings to $500.00. Overall I'm liking the amenities of Autopilot and no oil changes. The car is till doing great."​

Navigating Purchase Timing and Trim Choices

J's narrative underscores a common dilemma among car buyers: timing the purchase and selecting the appropriate trim. His decision to buy a used Model 3 during the post-Covid supply crunch led to a higher upfront cost. This experience highlights the importance of market research and patience, especially in fluctuating markets. Additionally, his coworker's realization about the limitations of the Standard Range trim emphasizes the need to assess personal driving needs against vehicle capabilities.​

Battery Degradation: Expectations vs. Reality

One of the standout points in J's account is the battery degradation over four years. Starting with an estimated range of 310 miles, seeing it decrease to around 240-260 miles after extensive use might seem concerning. However, this aligns with data indicating that Tesla batteries degrade approximately 12% over their lifespan. For instance, Tesla's own data from February 2023 show that Model S and Model X batteries retain about 90 percent of their original capacity on average over 200,000 miles of use. This suggests that while degradation is inevitable, Tesla's battery technology holds up well over time. For a deeper dive into battery longevity, consider reading this article: I'm Thinking About Buying a New Tesla, But How Many Years Will a Tesla Battery Last?​

High Mileage and Maintenance Insights

Driving 32,000 miles annually is no small feat. J's experience showcases the Model 3's capability to handle high mileage with minimal issues. Apart from a $1,500 monitor replacement post-warranty, his maintenance costs have been relatively low. This mirrors stories from other Tesla owners who have achieved high mileage with minimal maintenance. For example, one owner reported reaching 180,000 miles with only a 15% battery degradation and minimal repairs. Such accounts highlight the durability and reliability of Tesla vehicles over extended periods. For more details on high-mileage Teslas, check out this article: I've Hit 180,000 Miles in My 2018 Dual Motor Long Range Model 3 And This Is What My Maintenance Involved.​

Cold Weather Performance and Charging Considerations

J's note about needing a 10-15% charge during colder months brings attention to the impact of temperature on EV performance. Cold weather can increase energy consumption due to battery heating and cabin warming, leading to reduced range. Planning for additional charging stops during winter months is a prudent approach for EV owners in colder climates.​

The Bigger Picture: Total Cost of Model 3's Ownership

Despite the initial higher purchase price of his Model 3 and the monitor replacement, J's overall savings remain significant. The absence of routine expenses like oil changes, combined with lower fueling costs, contributes to a favorable total cost of ownership. This economic advantage is a compelling factor for many considering the switch to electric vehicles.​

J Frazier's four-year journey with his Tesla Model 3 offers valuable insights into the realities of EV ownership. From understanding battery degradation to evaluating total ownership costs, his experience provides a comprehensive look at what potential and current Tesla owners might expect.​

We'd love to hear from you:

1. How has your EV's battery held up over time, and what strategies have you employed to manage degradation?
2. For those in colder climates, how do you navigate the challenges of reduced range during winter months?

Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.