Tesla Model 3 Long-Term Review: 1 Year Later

Is the Tesla Model 3 still worth it after 12 months of real-world driving? Let’s dive into what it’s like to live with this EV day after day — the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

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🔋 The Good: Efficiency & Performance

After a full year with the Tesla Model 3 (RWD, base model), it's still a joy to drive. The instant torque, responsive steering, and low center of gravity make it feel more like a sports sedan than a commuter car.

Efficiency has remained impressive. Average consumption:

🔌 ~250 Wh/mi (~4.0 mi/kWh)

⚡ Real-world range: ~230–250 miles on a full charge

Software updates continue to improve the car — with new features like blind spot cameras, improved autopilot behavior, and customizable driving profiles.

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🚗 Daily Use & Practicality

• Charging at home has made owning this EV feel seamless. A full overnight top-up from a standard Level 2 charger is all you need.

• Interior quality holds up well — vegan leather seats and minimalist layout still look fresh.

• The trunk (and frunk!) offer more space than you’d expect.

What’s Great:

• 🔇 Silent, smooth drive

• 🛰️ OTA software updates

• 🧠 Smart navigation & route planning

• 💰 $0 spent on gas + reduced maintenance

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⚠️ The Downsides

Tesla isn’t perfect — and after a year, a few things stand out:

• Build quality quirks: panel gaps, minor trim misalignments at delivery

• Autopilot is useful, but far from full self-driving — still needs hands on the wheel

• Cold weather range drops significantly (~20–30% less)

• Service experience is mostly mobile, but can be slow for parts

Also worth noting: the price fluctuations for new Teslas are wild. Buying timing really matters.

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💸 Costs & Maintenance (After 1 Year)

Item	Cost
Charging (home)	~$320/year
Maintenance	$0 (only tire rotation)
Software updates	Free (unless buying FSD)
Insurance	Varies by region

No oil changes. No engine issues. Just... driving.

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🔋 Battery Health

After 12 months and ~14,000 miles:

• Estimated battery degradation: ~2.5–3%

• Still charges to ~252 miles (EPA rated: 272)

Not bad at all — especially with regular charging between 20%–80%.

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🧠 Final Verdict: Still Worth It?

Absolutely.

The Tesla Model 3 still feels like the future, even a year later. It’s not perfect, but for EV enthusiasts and daily commuters alike, it offers a balanced mix of performance, tech, and long-term savings.

✅ Would I buy it again?

→ Yes, but I’d keep a close eye on pricing, incentives, and new models.

Curious about budget-friendly alternatives? See our picks for budget-friendly used cars that still deliver great value.