Used Tesla Model 3 Buying Guide

• The Tesla Model 3 has had two large changes in its short life, and it is sure to have more. Each update has come with new features, and new designs.
• If you’re wanting more range out of your Tesla, then look for a model after 2023, as it comes with better aerodynamics, giving for 10% more range than the designs before.
• In 2020, the Model 3 opted to share a design with the Model Y, instead of coming with a never before seen interior.

The Tesla Model 3 has seen a few refreshes since it hit the market in 2017 being that it is an electric vehicle, and it’s easy to make software changes as time goes on. But for the updates to the actual vehicle, there’s been two large changes.

When the Model 3 first hit the market, it flipped the industry on its head. With the lack of front grille, and minimalist interior design, it truly reimagined what it meant to be a luxury design. With other manufacturers cramming as much as they can in the interior, Tesla felt that sometimes less is more. For all trim levels of the model 3, it comes with an expansive glass roof, really driving home that this vehicle is the future of automobiles.

In November of 2020, the Tesla Model 3 saw changes to both the interior, and exterior. Most of these changes came from the Model Y, being that it came out later than the Model 3, and had a newer, more modern design. What used to be a chrome finish for the door handles, side mirror trim, window trim, and camera covers were given a black finish.

This year also saw some quality-of-life improvements for those who operate a Model 3 with the addition of a power operated trunk, a redesigned center console with a wireless charging pad, double pane glass was also added making the inside quieter, and the addition of a heat pump for better climate control.

2023 saw the largest changes to the Tesla Model 3 to date, with the main change being 10% more range thanks to the reworked nose, as well as a better rear diffuser and more aerodynamic wheels.

For the interior changes, you can look for an 8-inch touchscreen for rear seat passengers. The front seats gained ventilation. It adds 3 new speakers for up to 17 in total and offers customizable interior accent lighting, and a new steering wheel without turn signal and gear selector stalks.

This update also saw some upgrades to the tech of the Model 3, with the addition of a shock-absorbing technology called Frequency Selective Damping. This uses a hydraulic amplifier to concentrate vibration to give for a smoother ride than the years before. The camera also saw an update: it came equipped with HW4 camera and processing technology. This gave a wider field of view, which improved Autopilot's cross-traffic emergency braking.