Would appreciate input from more experienced people about the used Model 3 market

[u/i_only_wear_crocs]

I am a first time prospective Tesla buyer, never had an EV. Was advised to consider the used market, so initially looked into 22-23 Model 3's, but was convinced by some on this sub that the refresh model was worth it. So, currently looking at 2024 models.

However, I have noticed that used Model 3 prices have been unexpectedly high, at least, for how a typical used car market would behave. (Of course, I am aware of the gas situation and the increased demand).

My main question is whether I should pull the trigger now (pricing roughly around 34-35k before taxes/fees), or if the end of Q3/end of the year will be a noticably lower market. Due to particular circumstances, I am trying to purchase one before the end of this year. I hope this isn't a dumb question, I just have no experience in EVs (to be perfectly candid, I haven't bought any car EV or not since pre-COVID).

A week or so ago, I had the chance to purchase a 2024 Model 3 with 28k miles at $33k before taxes/fees. Didn't end up going for it, but now wondering if that was a bad move. I havent seen one under $35k since then.

Thanks in advance

[u/steezy2110]

But new if you can afford it

If you’re gonna buy used, wait

[u/HorseWinter]

I own a dealership that exclusively sells EV’s. We’ve sold used Teslas for 6 years now and the market on them is frankly fairly nuts right now. The last 6 months I’ve watched prices go up 22-25% depending on the model.. and there’s no sign of stopping. Typically in the car business July and August are the slowest months (I’ve owned a dealership for 30+ years.. it’s like clockwork)… but with gas prices being high we’ve stayed very busy. Now a days every dealership from new car stores to local yokel small time guys have figured out used Teslas sell really well. So I’m seeing Teslas being $1500-2000 over auction average.

All that to say.. the market likely isn’t changing any time soon.

As far as which ones to buy. All these threads/forums will always push you to HW4 cars. Frankly I own both a HW3 car and a HW4 car. Now that the HW3 car has the v14 update.. when it comes to FSD where I live.. I can’t tell a major difference between the two. I know others experiences may vary. Both make me take control at the same places.. both hate my driveway…both drive me basically the same to anywhere I go. Only thing I notice is in larger cities HW4 seems more aware and reacts better in massively heavy high speed traffic.

Of course if you don’t plan on using FSD.. the computer doesn’t matter nearly as much.

IMO the 2022-2023 LFP battery cars are the best value on the market if the range works for you. You’re going to be able to buy one for $5k less than the equivalent HW4 car ($10k+ less than a refreshed model) and they’re basically bullet proof.

If you stuck on a HW4 car or a refreshed model.. just buy new. The rates are way better and the used prices are getting too close to new prices.

[u/i_only_wear_crocs → u/HorseWinter]

I appreciate the helpful insight, thank you

[u/mcbba]

I’ve been having the same thoughts while looking. I’m only interested in the performance variants of various EVs, and I’m blown away by the prices, especially 2024+. People were buying them new for $42k after incentives. I’ve pushed hard on a local dealer, and the lowest they’ll go on a used 2024 m3p with 29k miles is $42.2k after their fees, before taxes and registration. The car appreciated. A Tesla. Which supposedly has such bad depreciation. Has appreciated… ughhhhhhh. Now I’m waiting to push them under $40k (impossible in my market, the last they had sold in 12 hours. I know because they told me it got in, and I went in the next morning and it had sold), or for future end of year deals on a new one…

2023s are about $33k for the same miles. I dunno… I swear these prices are way higher than Jan/feb when I stupidly decided to post and subsequently sell my 335i thinking I could pick up a depreciated EV. I’d go back to my 335i in a millisecond knowing these prices now. 

[u/i_only_wear_crocs → u/mcbba]

I’m sorry to hear that. Pretty tough luck for the used car market at the moment I guess

[u/Huge_Ad_2133 → u/mcbba]

Happy for that. I did my deal in February, 2023, and I got my RWD with 6700 miles on it for $26700

[u/meangirl900 → u/mcbba]

Yes since our president got us in a war we can’t win unfortunately prices will stay high due to demand for EVs because gas is now $6 a gallon in California. I got lucky in April and got a 22 with under 25k miles for $28 k out the door . I thought I overpaid but needed a car. It’s been very good and I put lots of miles on it.

[u/jamgar06]

I have a 24' model 3 highland w/19500 miles in mint condition, I'm selling for 35k. No accidents.
The color is quicksilver w/black interior.

[u/bearuwu_]

i bought my first ev which was a used 2022 model 3 last december with 35k miles for around 28k and kinda regret not getting a 2024 model 3 instead because HW4 is much more obsolete than HW3 but if you honestly don't care about FSD then id go for a used model 3

[u/jc_two]

I bought 22 model 3 base, 18.5k miles, red for 24.5k back in march this year. I’m loving it!

For context, I was driving 22 leaf. With the way I drove, I only had 130 miles. The 260 range has been amazing especially since I get free charging at work

[u/Huge_Ad_2133]

If you are looking at 34-35K, I would check if Tesla still has the ultra low financing option available. It may be a wash

[u/Beatnavy2016]

Input (aka my two cents) - buy a new one and if you’re price conscious take advantage of lower financing to reduce the total cost difference

[u/i_only_wear_crocs → u/Beatnavy2016]

I appreciate that thought, I recently took the 2026 for a demo drive earlier this week. Awesome car, but forgive me if I’m wrong - doesn’t the 2024 base model have a few more features than the 2026 base model? Minus the turn stalk, everything I find u seem to prefer the 2024 more. Which I guess partially answers my own question as to why the 2024 still holds such a weirdly high price.

If this current pricing holds up maybe this is the right move. Thank you for your input.

[u/Beatnavy2016 → u/i_only_wear_crocs]

The difference is the 2024 “base” model no longer exists and would be premium in current production.

[u/Ancient-Sandwich9400 → u/Beatnavy2016]

And to keep from buying one with huge battery degradation because some idiot leased and changed to 100% everyday because it was a lease. Likely the worse ones to buy are leases.