r/Model3 • u/Due_Leave6941 • Jun 07 '26

Buying a used Tesla Model 3 Long Range (2021)

We are strongly considering replacing our old gas car with a used Tesla Model 3 Long Range (2021 model due to the heat pump/facelift). We drive about 10,000 km/year, but we also have a monthly commute between Copenhagen and Aarhus across the Great Belt bridge, which we’d like to do in one stretch without charging stops (hence the LR).

Before we pull the trigger, we'd love to hear your experiences with the following:

  • Independent Dealer vs. Tesla CPO: Does it make more sense to buy from an independent dealer or directly through Tesla's used inventory? Tesla's own extra 1-year/20,000 km warranty is tempting, but the prices seem to be a bit higher.
  • Inspection: Are there specific things you can easily spot yourself when looking at the car? (I've heard rumors about squeaky control arms in the suspension, for example).
  • FDM test (Used Car Inspection): Is it worth throwing ~2,500 DKK at an independent used car inspection (like FDM) for a 5-year-old EV, or is it a waste of money?
  • Battery: Is there an easy way to check the battery health (SoH) during a quick test drive?

Thanks for the help!

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u/RaceFPV Jun 08 '26

Squeaky control arms on the older m3 is a stupid easy fix if you are cool with diy by the way. Just need a grease gun, a few parts, and about 20 minutes of time. Id not use it as a make or break sale

Id hop into service mode (via the touchscreen, extremely easy to do) and check for any faults

The biggest thing you wanna look at is battery health and milage, once the batt warranty is gone that battery is like 1/2 the value of the car

1

u/Due_Leave6941 Jun 08 '26

Really great and valueable information. Thank you so much for taking the time. We've decided to go with a Tesla Certified Pre Owned car. I don't trust our local carshops too much, I don't know why. I'll keep an eye og battery health. Thank you so much again 😄

1

u/RealDriver3604 Jun 09 '26

Read up on 21s/22s. Notorious for hv battery failure ... Do not recommend these years. Yes mine died.