I’ve found that in most conditions, I barely scratch the surface of its performance, preferring to pop it in less aggressive Chill driving mode rather than seeking out opportunities to go for a blast as I might in, say, a BMW 3 Series.
The range has improved as we have transitioned from late winter to mid-summer, and across a full year I’d expect better than my 3.8mpkWh average.
If ultimate distance is your ambition, it might be worth tracking down a single-motor car; reader Fred Reschen reports that he gets 5mpkWh on longer journeys in his Long Range RWD.
Fred has also been impressed by his car’s build quality – something I’d had concerns about following warnings from bar-room pundits. In truth, my Model 3 has never looked or felt like a ‘used’ car: it feels as well screwed together as any other premium saloon.
But it isn’t a new car, and I spent more on maintenance – new tyres, new wipers and an MOT test (which it strolled through with no advisories) – than I did on charging, although that would balance out long term.
The fact that there has been little deterioration in battery life is reassuring, and Tesla has now sold more than 250,000 cars in the UK, which means a healthy used buyer’s market.
Add in the fact that my car represents a saving of nearly 50% over its new equivalent – which, facelift aside, is essentially the same – and it’s a compelling package. As for my feelings about Elon Musk, I guess I could always buy a bumper sticker…
Used Tesla Model 3 specification
Prices: List price new £49,935 List price now £49,990 Price as tested £28,000 Options: Enhanced Autopilot £3400, Midnight Silver metallic paint £1000, 19in silver sports wheels £1450 (prices all in 2021)
Fuel consumption and range: Claimed economy 360 miles Battery 82/75kWh (total, usable) Test average 3.8mpkWh Test best 4.3mpkWh Test worst 3.4mpkWh Real-world range 285 miles
