The 2018 Tesla Model 3 can last over 300,000 miles with some software and panel fitment issues reported by owners. At $44,272 to $52,926, it’s expensive, although slow depreciation makes it a decent long-term value.
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Tesla Model 3 since it’s affordable to own with quick motors, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the fun driving experience, quiet interior, as well as the low running costs for an electric car.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small car, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, cargo space is also similar to other sedans.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems on the 2018 Model 3, although owners have complained about some general build-quality issues.
- Performance 10/10 – Most Model 3s available are reasonably quick, while the Performance model is one of the fastest small sedans in the world.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Model 3 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera, forward collision warning, along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, as well as the self-driving Autopilot system.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – The Tesla Model 3 is rated at up to 120 MPGe by the EPA, using about 29 kWh per 100 miles of driving.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is expensive, although it depreciates very slowly, making it a good value long-term.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Tesla Model 3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a great alternative to other luxury compact sports sedans, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Model 3 at 4.8/5, praising the outstanding performance, but don’t like that it doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Model 3 a 4.7/5, enjoying all the advanced technology, but owners don’t like the lack of charging stations.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 include shutting down while driving, poor panel fitment around the car, as well as some windshield defrosting issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other electric cars on the market, although repair costs get expensive out of warranty.
Shutting down while driving is one of the most widespread complaints on the 2018 Tesla Model 3. The most common reason a Model 3 will shut down is simply due to software issues with the computers freezing. Restarting the system usually fixes it. Tesla is regularly pushing over-the-air software updates to improve reliability, so shutting down while driving is rarer as the car ages.
Poor panel fitment throughout the car is another common issue reported by 2018 Model 3 owners. As the Model 3 was relatively new for the 2018 model year, and it’s from a new company, the quality control just isn’t there. In some cases Tesla will re-align panels on your car if the gaps are huge, but usually they consider them to be within tolerances.
Windshield defrosting issues have also shown up on some Tesla Model 3s in the first 15,000 miles. The sudden heating from the defroster can cause the glass to crack in some models. Model 3 windshields are more expensive than other cars, costing around $1,600 to change out if they crack.
There are 11 recalls on the 2018 Tesla Model 3, which is worse than many other compact cars from the same year. Nearly every recall is related to software issues which have been able to be fixed with over-the-air updates for free. There’s a recall for the seat belt buckle anchor, which has to be reassembled, which Tesla will also handle for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Tesla Model 3 should be able to last around 300,000 to 500,000 miles before the main battery pack has to be replaced, which is similar to a Toyota Prius. Replacing the battery costs around $16,000 when it eventually wears out.
As a used 2018 Tesla Model 3 reaches over 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the brake pads and rotors for around $900, the 12-volt starting battery costing $450, as well as the coolant which costs around $150.
It is very reliable and has no problems. It is efficient when charging. The only bad thing would be the charging stations not having food or a bathroom for long trips.
It has a very steep learning curve. It is hard to open the doors. Breaking takes some getting used to.
The tesla model 3 is very safe and reliable, I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever so far.
The most reliable local vehicle in the USA. Made by us for us no one else gets close, the innovation starts at home
As far as to me I don't find any problems right now for long drives I feel we have to stop for charging but it is ok because there are more charging units
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2018 Tesla Model 3, offering a responsive touchscreen interface with a nice stereo system. Unfortunately, Tesla does not offer any Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.
Safety technology is excellent, offering a standard rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, along with front and rear parking sensors. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane change alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, parallel park assistance, as well as Tesla’s autonomous self-driving Autopilot system.
Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a good value since ownership costs are relatively low as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $44,272 to $52,926, making it more expensive than a BMW i3 or Nissan Leaf. When new, the price range was $46,000 to $64,000. Depreciation is better than many other cars, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Tesla Model 3?
There are three models of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 offered including the Standard Range, Long Range, as well as the Performance. All are equipped the same with the only major change being the performance of the electric motors. The Standard Range comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while both the Long Range and Performance models come with all-wheel drive.
Standard Features:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Automatic Headlights
- Front & Rear Parking Sensors
- Air Conditioning
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Upholstery
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- 15-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Rearview Camera
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Seven-Speaker Audio System
Premium Upgrades Package:
- LED Fog Lights
- Tinted Glass
- Heated and Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
- Panoramic Glass Roof
- Heated Seats
- 12-Way Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Simulated-Leather Upholstery
- Wood Interior Trim
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Performance Tires
- Lowered Suspension
- Upgraded Brakes
What Engines Come In the Tesla Model 3?
- The base Standard Range version has a single-motor which produces 258 horsepower at 260 miles of range.
- The Long Range model has dual electric motors which make 346 horsepower and get up to 310 miles of range from the long range battery.
- The Performance is a dual motor model as well, which produce 450 horsepower and also should get around 310 miles of range on a charge. Performance is great, taking 3.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Tesla Model 3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Tesla Model 3?
Overall, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a very comfortable car, with many reviewers praising its spacious and well-appointed interior, as well as its smooth and quiet ride. The Model 3 features standard dual-zone climate control and a panoramic glass roof, which help to create a spacious and airy feeling inside the cabin.
The front seats are highly adjustable and offer good support, while the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for tall passengers. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a balance between a comfortable ride and agile handling.
How Much Storage Space Does the Tesla Model 3 Have?
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has a front trunk (also known as a “frunk”) with a storage capacity of about 0.5 cubic feet, and a trunk with a storage capacity of about 15 cubic feet.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Tesla Model 3 was introduced for the 2017 model year.
2017: First model year for the Tesla Model 3 with similar styling to the Model S in a smaller, more affordable package.
2018: New dual-motor variant with all-wheel drive, mid-range battery pack available.
2019: Cheaper low-range battery pack added to the lineup.
2020: No major changes from 2019.
2021: Increased rage, upgraded interior & exterior trim, standard wireless phone charger.
2022: 12-volt battery is now lithium-ion, sound-reducing windows, upgraded stereo system.
How Does the Tesla Model 3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a nice choice if you’re in the market for an electric car, although you should be aware of some of the quirks of the early Model 3 versions, which have lower build quality than the newer versions.
The Chevrolet Bolt is another small electric car which is available for $10,000 less. Passenger room is a little better in the rear seats of the Chevy Bolt, while the Tesla Model 3 has more advanced technology and stronger motors. We recommend the Tesla Model 3 since there are fewer serious issues reported as they age.
The Tesla Model X is another electric car from Tesla which costs around $30,000 more. There’s more space for passengers and cargo in the Tesla Model X, while the Tesla Model 3 has a longer range for the 2018 model year. We recommend the Tesla Model 3 for most shoppers since you get similar performance and quality for much less money.
Do Owners Recommend the Tesla Model 3?
Yes, it is easy to find superchargers, very comfortable, and has cool features like seat heating, self driving etc.
Yes fantastic. It is reliable and everything I want in a car. I like how it handles and the updates that download. The self driving is really nice.
The tesla model 3 is a perfect car for commute as it has self driving that works great in the highways.
Trusted the most quality available in the market to date. Meets all expectations and beyond, guaranteed the best option for any family in 2019
Yeah it is very good vehicle I love it mainly the features I like them all while driving I feel it is very smooth to handle