The 2020 Tesla Model 3 lasts over 300,000 miles with some minor safety software and build quality issues reported. At $31,999 to $53,499, it’s expensive, but worth it for a dependable compact EV that’s fun to drive.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Tesla Model 3 since it’s affordable to own while still offering great performance. Owner reviews praise the powerful engine, low running costs, along with the advanced safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a compact sedan, the seats are comfortable on long drives, and cargo space is good.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical issues reported, although quality is worse than other small sedans.
- Performance 10/10 – All of the Tesla Model 3 variants are quick for its size, while the Performance model is one of the fastest small sedans on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Model 3 is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, along with a rearview camera. Full self-driving is available as an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 10/10 – The Model 3 is rated at up to 141 MPGe, letting it go around 330 miles on a single charge, which is longer than most competitors.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Tesla Model 3 depreciates slower than other small sedans, making it a great long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Tesla Model 3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Tesla Model 3 offers excellent performance and comfort, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2020 Model 3 at 4/5, praising the advanced safety technology, but doesn’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay support.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Tesla Model 3 a 4.7/5, enjoying the powerful motor choices, but owners don’t like that all the controls are in the touchscreen.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Have?
Common problems reported on the 2020 Tesla Model 3 include adaptive cruise control disengaging randomly, uneven tire wear, along with general build quality issues. Overall, these problems are better than some other compact cars on the market, leading to low repair costs as a Model 3 ages.
The adaptive cruise control system disengaging randomly is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Tesla Model 3 owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of software updates for the Model 3 which improve the reliability of its Autopilot and Full Self Driving systems.
Uneven tire wear is another issue mentioned by some Model 3 owners at around 10,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a simple alignment issue which may have been missed before the car was delivered. Having the car properly aligned costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
General build quality issues are still present on the 2020 Model 3, although they’re not as widespread as in earlier years. Owners report rattling door panels, uneven panel gaps, as well as the spoiler coming loose on the Performance model. Tesla will usually fix quality issues under warranty for free.
There are 15 recalls on the 2020 Tesla Model 3, which is worse than many other compact cars on the market. Nearly every recall is for a software issue associated with Tesla’s self-driving system. Software updates are installed for free via over-the-air updates.
How Long Will the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Tesla Model 3 can last over 300,000 miles, which is significantly longer than other electric cars like the Chevy Bolt. Regular annual maintenance costs are very low since it does not need oil changes. Owners should be prepared to replace the battery pack after the 500,000-mile mark though, which can cost over $15,000.
As a used 2020 Tesla Model 3 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle’s history, owners should be prepared to replace the coolant for $150, a 12-volt accessory battery which costs $500, along with the front brake pads which cost $300.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2020 Tesla Model 3 with a standard 15-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dash. Unfortunately, the Model 3 does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.
Safety technology is excellent, offering standard features including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Side collision warning
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Enhanced autopilot system which controls the steering, throttle, brakes, as well as changing lanes automatically
- Full self-driving capabilities with automatic navigation, although it does still require a human to hold the steering wheel.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a good value since it offers a lot of technology with low ownership costs as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,999 to $53,499, making it more than a Kia Niro EV or Honda Clarity. When new, the price range was $37,990 to $54,990. Depreciation is better than other vehicles, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Tesla Model 3?
There are three versions of the Tesla Model 3 available for the 2020 model year including the base Standard Range, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, as well as the powerful Performance models. They all have similar features, but feature different motor configurations.
Standard features include:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Automatic LED Headlights
- Keyless Entry Via Phone or Card
- Simulated Leather Seats
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Frameless Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats
- 15-Inch Touchscreen
- Forward Collision Warning and Mitigation
Optional upgrades available are:
- Heated and Power Folding Mirrors
- Panoramic Glass Roof
- LED Fog Lights
- Heated Seats
- 12-Way Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Wood Interior Trim
- Rear Seat Heaters
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Stronger Brakes
- Sport Suspension
- Premium Sound System
- Carbon Fiber Spoiler
- Increased Speed Limiter
What Engines Come In the Tesla Model 3?
- The Standard Range Model 3 offers a single electric motor for rear wheel drive which produces 283 horsepower at up to 250 miles of driving range.
- The Long Range Model 3 features dual electric motors which generate 346 horsepower and gets more range at up to 330 miles per charge.
- The Model 3 Performance also has dual electric motors which make 450 horsepower and get up to 304 miles of range. Performance is excellent, taking only 3.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Tesla Model 3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Tesla Model 3?
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is known for providing a comfortable driving experience, thanks to its well-crafted interior, supportive seats, and smooth ride quality. The cabin is spacious and airy, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
One of the standout features of the Model 3 is its minimalist interior design, which creates a clean, uncluttered environment. The lack of physical buttons and dials can take some getting used to, but it ultimately helps to create a more streamlined and modern feel. The car’s large central touchscreen display provides access to most of the vehicle’s functions, including climate control, music playback, and navigation.
The seats in the Model 3 are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustments to help find the perfect driving position. The car’s suspension is also well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride, even on bumpy roads. The Model 3 also has excellent sound insulation, which helps to keep road noise to a minimum.
How Much Storage Space Does the Tesla Model 3 Have?
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 comes with various storage options depending on the specific configuration. As for its standard model, it has a total cargo space of 15 cubic feet, which includes the frunk (front trunk) and trunk at the back. The frunk provides 2.7 cubic feet of storage, while the rear trunk provides 12.3 cubic feet. The Model 3 also has a center console with a storage compartment that can hold various items such as cups, phones, and wallets.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Tesla Model 3 came out for the 2017 model year, as an affordable electric car from Tesla.
2017: First model year for the Tesla Model 3.
2018: Mid-range battery pack available, dual-motor all-wheel drive version added.
2019: More affordable low-range battery packs added.
2020: No major changes.
2021: Standard wireless phone charger, increased range, upgraded interior & exterior trim.
2022: Sound-reducing windows added, upgraded stereo system, new lithium-ion 12-volt battery.
How Does the Tesla Model 3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is one of the best compact electric cars on the market since it combines a lot of safety with lower purchase and maintenance costs than many of its competitors.
The Tesla Model Y is another small electric vehicle built by Tesla which costs about $3,500 more. Both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y are built on the same platform, while the Model Y has more passenger and cargo room due to its taller cabin. We recommend test driving both to see which you prefer.
The BMW i3 is a compact hybrid which is available for around $8,000 less. Where the BMW i3 stands out is with better build quality, while the Tesla Model 3 has lower ownership costs. We recommend the Tesla Model 3 since it’s a full EV, and not a half-step into a small hybrid like the BMW.
