If the Tesla Model 3 is a hit in France, it is because it offers, especially in its entry-level, a very interesting price / performance ratio. What if its biggest competitor was actually a used Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 in the Esterel massif // Source: Bob Jouy for Frandroid
We no longer present it, one of the best-selling electric cars of recent years is not without reason. The Tesla Model 3 now offers a coherent package for anyone who wants a versatile, high-performance car that claims to be the first vehicle in the household.
The new versions in the 2022 version have everything to please: a slightly revised interior, comfort equipment at the level that one is entitled to expect from such a vehicle, and of course an ability to travel quite serenely thanks to to the Tesla Supercharger network.
Since the recent price increase, with a price exceeding 45,000 euros excluding ecological bonus, the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion is sometimes found at a similar price compared to a second-hand Long Autonomy version. For a potential buyer, what is the point of favoring one over the other? This is what we are going to see together in this dossier.
Similar real autonomy
On paper, here’s what Tesla offers for a Model 3 New propulsionentry-level and without options:
- WLTP autonomy of 510 kilometers (with 18″ Aero rims) and a battery with a capacity of 60 kWh;
- A single rear engine, two-wheel drive, 0 to 100 km/h shot in 6.1 seconds and top speed of 225 km/h.
On the other side, a Used Tesla Model 3 Great Autonomyin the 2019 or 2020 model (which will be the least expensive), has a slightly more extensive technical sheet:
- WLTP range of 560 kilometres, with a battery capacity of 78 kWh;
- Front and rear engine, four wheel drive, 0 to 100 km/h shot in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 233 km/h.
If we base ourselves on the technical data sheet, it goes without saying that the Long Autonomy version wins over the Propulsion model on all points: the battery is bigger, the autonomy also announced, road holding will be better thanks to the all-wheel drive and the performance is also above.
However, the expected autonomy will be, ultimately, very similar between the two. Lighter, the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion is more energy efficient than its big brother, allowing it to travel more kilometers on the same amount of energy. Thus, with 60 kWh in Tesla Model 3 Propulsion of 2022, you will be able to have as much autonomy as with 71 kWh in a Tesla Model 3 Long Autonomy of 2019, if we consider that the improvement in consumption is l 15% order.
But as you read earlier, the original battery of a new Tesla Model 3 Long Range had a capacity of 78 kWh, which should allow it to have much more range than the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion of 2022 However, it is necessary to take into account the degradation of the battery of a vehicle which, between two and three years, will be around 10% (this is the case on my Tesla Model 3 from March 2019 which has 110,000 kilometers).
Thus, with this degradation taken into account, it is indeed a question of a vehicle having a battery capacity of 71 kWh, or even less. And with the overconsumption induced by its weight, we end up with a real autonomy similar to that of a new Tesla Model 3 Propulsion.
The positives of the used Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie
Now that it’s been established that an old Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie has a range comparable to a new Propulsion version – taking into account the degradation of the battery – let’s examine the positives and negatives of the old vehicle.
We recalled in the previous paragraph that it had two engines, and thus four-wheel drive. If you live in regions where this is important, think about it, it is a significant advantage in the event of difficult traffic conditions (heavy snow, ice, etc.).
Another point to consider on a used 2019 Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie concerns the charging speed on Superchargers and other fast charging stations. Indeed, having a larger battery and using a different chemistry (Nickel, Cobalt, Aluminum against Lithium, Iron, Phosphate), the charging powers accepted are greater on the old Tesla Model 3.
If, by plugging into a Supercharger, you can reach 250 kW of power in ideal conditions with a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the power is limited to 175 kW on a Tesla Model 3 Propulsion in 2022. In practice, the differences are the order of a few minutes lost on a charging session to add the same amount of energy, but keep in mind that since consumption is higher on older models, traveling a long distance is not necessarily more long in Model 3 Propulsion.
The positives of the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion 2022
The few positive points of the used vehicle should be put into perspective with the strengths of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Propulsion.
First, the warranty on the powertrain (battery and motors) is 8 years or 160,000 kilometers for the Model 3 Propulsion, while it was 8 years or 192,000 kilometers for the Model 3 Extended Range. occasion. If, for example, the second-hand model already has 100,000 kilometers on the clock, the remaining warranty will be greatly reduced.
Tesla’s new vehicle warranty varies by model
For the other warranties (seats, interior equipment, etc.), they do not change and remain at 4 years or 80,000 kilometers, regardless of the version of the car. Thus, it is likely that this warranty has already expired on the used Tesla Model 3. If it has low mileage, it will be the end of warranty date that will count, which is probably sometime in 2023.
Out-of-warranty repairs can be costly depending on the case, so buy wisely. In the same way, the few maintenance costs incurred by an electric vehicle that is a few years old (such as tires for which it takes between 500 and 800 euros), can be saved on a new vehicle, which is not not negligible.
In addition to this warranty, the 2022 versions of Tesla’s sedan are full of interesting new features. We note in particular the motorized rear trunk, the heat pump, the double glazing and the new central console which includes an induction charger. And finally, the highlight of the show, the infotainment system is now powered by AMD’s Ryzen processor, which offers much better fluidity on the majority of tasks performed on the central screen.
What is a good second-hand deal?
As you will no doubt have understood by arriving at this section, the positive points of a new Tesla Model 3 Propulsion seem to make it an obvious choice when faced with an opportunity at a similar price. However, configurations that are not the basic ones (white interior at 1,190 euros, 19″ rims at 1,190 euros, paintwork at 1,190 euros) easily add a few thousand euros to the bill for a new version, but they are not necessarily valued second-hand, which can be interesting for a second-hand buyer.
The Tesla Model 3 // Source: Tesla
Similarly, much more expensive options, such as fully self-driving capability at $7,500, can make a used vehicle a relative bargain if the sale price isn’t heavily impacted. As Tesla tends not to overvalue options in its takeover offers, a buyer is in a position of strength against a seller. He can indeed make him lower his price by arguing the fact that the added value is low in the current state of the software and the regulations.
It can also be interesting for a buyer to get their hands on configurations that only lasted a while, such as Tesla Model 3s that have a hitch, something that is quite rare and difficult to find today. Unfortunately, as you’d expect, these will be configurations sought after by second-hand buyers, and demand will be relatively high, especially with the lead times for obtaining a new Tesla Model 3 getting longer and longer.
Which model to choose?
Although the second-hand market is still in its infancy for the Tesla Model 3, there is still a demand, and probably today more than ever, in particular because of the long delivery times. .
Indeed, it takes nearly a year of waiting at the time of writing these lines, to be delivered of a Tesla Model 3 Propulsion without any options. The temptation to turn to the second-hand market is thus greater day by day, for anyone who needs a vehicle quickly.
The deadlines for having a Tesla Model 3 delivered exceed the year 2022
If, on the other hand, you are not in a hurry, and the basic Tesla Model 3 Propulsion suits you, do not hesitate to order. You will benefit from the latest innovations during delivery if the configurations evolve by then. Buying today guarantees that in the event of a price increase in the future, you will benefit from the price displayed when you order. If the trend is confirmed, prices will only increase.
However, for people who are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of a second-hand Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie, and for whom a few options are necessary, it may be worth looking for the bargain on the second-hand side.
Rare configurations, or today difficult to justify taking into account the price of the options, may appear, and those who know how to position themselves at the right price will undoubtedly make an excellent operation. Finally, it is possible to check the Tesla site to see some opportunities appear at certain times (returns from LOA or LLD in particular), but the prices are often above the market, which reduces the interest of such models.
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