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I Am Planning On Buying My Wife A Model 3 Long Range - Any Advice About One Year's Model Versus Another

Someone is wanting to buy a Tesla for their wife and asked a question about which Model 3 year for the long range is best. We answer all the questions this man needs to know - and you need to know for your wife.
I Am Planning On Buying My Wife A Model 3 Long Range - Any Advice About One Year's Model Versus Another

A prospective Tesla buyer, who is looking to buy a Tesla Model 3 long range for his wife, asked some questions about which Model 3 long range from which year would be best for his wife. We give you the entire scoop to think about when looking to buy a Model 3 long range.

When considering the purchase of a Tesla Model 3 Long Range for your wife, here's what you should know based on the latest information up to 2024, and we recommend buying a Model 3 long range from 2022 or sooner as prices are very attractive for these newer, albeit used, models.

Model 3 Long Range Specifications Over the Last 3 Years:

2022 Model 3 Long Range: 

  • Price Range: Prices for used EVs are very attractive right now. You can get a used Model 3 long range anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on how many miles are on it. Fewer miles will cost more.
  • Range: Estimated at 358 miles per charge, showcasing Tesla's commitment to extending electric vehicle range. However, buying a used Model 3 long range from 2022 will likely have a degradation of anywhere between a few % up to 10% depending on how the car was driven and charged. Your range may be closer to the 300 to 320-mile range.
  • Performance: Noted for its impressive performance metrics, it goes 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 145 mph.
  • Features: Hardware 3 for FSD, which is now in sync with Hardware 4. This just means Tesla's latest versions of their cameras and computer, the latest of which is Hardware 4. This means you can run the latest versions of FSD.

2023 Model 3 Long Range:

  • Price Range: Prices will be a little more expensive here than the 2022 version, however, the prices are still attractive for used EVs for this year. You can get one anywhere from $24,000 to $37,000, depending on miles on the car.
  • Range: Sames as 2022 - at about 358 miles. Degradation will occur as the mileage goes up, up to around 10%. It's best to ask the owner what the 100% range on the car is just to be sure.
  • Performance: 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds just like the 2022 version and a top speed of 145 mph
  • Features: Hardware 3 for FSD, which is now in sync with Hardware 4. This just means Tesla's latest versions of their cameras and computer, the latest of which is Hardware 4. This means you can run the latest versions of FSD.

2024 Model 3 Long Range:

  • Price: Starts at $42,490 for the RWD long range or $47,490 for the AWD long range, before any tax credits or incentives, which, when considering a $7,500 federal tax credit, could bring the effective price down significantly.
  • Range: Up to 341 miles for the AWD, slightly less than the 2022 model but still very competitive. However, there is a new long range RWD (rear-wheel drive) with an impressive 363 miles of range
  • Performance: 4.9 seconds for a 0 to 60 mph in the RWD long range, and 4.2 seconds for the AWD long range.

Advantages of Tesla's Current Financing Rates For NEW Purchases:

Low APR Financing: Tesla has offered rates as low as 1.99% APR for the Model 3 Long Range and Performance trims in the US for orders placed after August 1, 2024, with delivery by September 30, 2024. This rate makes financing very attractive, potentially saving thousands over the life of the loan compared to higher interest rates. Time is running out to take delivery before September 30th, though - however, Tesla might extend the low rates.

Considerations for Purchase:

  • Budget: With the federal tax credit, the effective cost could be significantly lower, making the 2024 model potentially the best value if you qualify for the credit.
  • Features and Performance: The 2024 models have the most range and performance.
  • Future Proofing: Tesla's models often receive over-the-air updates, but newer models might benefit from more advanced hardware for features like Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.
  • Financing: Given the low APR, financing a newer model could be financially beneficial, especially if you plan to keep the car for a long time or if you're looking at monthly payments.
  • Resale Value: Tesla vehicles generally hold their value well, but newer models or those with the latest tech might depreciate slower due to the rapid evolution of EV technology.
  • Heat Pump: Tesla's heating technology got an upgrade in 2021, so all models will have more efficient heating.
  • Warranty and Maintenance: Consider the warranty coverage, especially for the battery, which might differ slightly between models or years.
  • Personal Preferences: Look at interior updates, aesthetic changes, and any new features like the rear seat entertainment system introduced in newer models.

Conclusion:

For someone buying in 2024, the 2024 Model 3 Long Range RWD could be the best choice due to:

  • Lower effective cost with tax credits. $42,490 - $7,500 = $34,990 - not too much more than used models. Used models still get a marginal $4,000 tax credit.
  • 363 miles of range.
  • Still good performance at 4.9 seconds 0 to 60 mph.
  • Potential for better long-term value with lower financing rates.

However, if range and cost are the utmost priority, and you find a good deal on a 2022 model, it might still be worth considering, especially if you're not concerned with the latest updates in performance or interior features.

Always check for any available inventory discounts or special promotions that could further influence your decision. Remember, Tesla's value proposition often lies in its ecosystem (like Supercharger network, software updates), which remains consistent across models but might be slightly better optimized in newer iterations. You'll find that all versions of FSD can run on any 2022, 2023, or 2024 models, Tesla's full self-driving software that lets the car drive itself under your supervision.

The Model 3 has plenty of space for me, and I'm 6'4'', so I'm sure your wife will fit very well.

Would you buy a Model 3 long range for your wife?

Share this article with friends and family and on social media - or leave a comment below. You can view my most recent articles here for further reading. I am also on X/Twitter where I post more than just articles daily, as well as LinkedIn! Thank you so much for your support!

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Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.

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