Man buys high-mileage Tesla Model 3 dirt cheap from trade auction, reveals its surprising running costs
- This Model 3 has been going for four years straight, clocking 130,000 miles
- With less than $100 worth of upkeep, it still looks great
- But how does it perform?
Published on Jan 06, 2025 at 8:42 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Jan 07, 2025 at 1:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Having bought a ‘dirt cheap’ Tesla Model 3 from an auction with over 130,000 miles on the clock, one car dealer has revealed its surprising running costs.
YouTuber and car dealer Richard Symons claims to have sold thousands of Tesla Model 3 cars in the last few years.
But he’s taken to his channel to document buying a risky Tesla dubbed ‘the cheapest’ Model 3 that he’s ever bought.
With the car in his dealership, the plucky EV has now showcased just how impressive these cars are with their surprise running costs.
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‘Dirt cheap’ Tesla Model 3 appeared brand-new despite 130,000 miles
Tesla Model 3s are becoming quite renowned for their exceptional longevity, having already been proven to be a huge money-saver as mileage continues to grow on them.
The Model 3 in question this time is four years old but has clocked in over 30,000 miles a year.
The car was bought on the cheap at auction.
“That’s the cheapest Model 3 that I’ve ever bought,” Richard said.
“It’s got a bit of mileage on it but I’m always saying that these cars are really good on mileage.
“They last well, they’re reliable.
“So I put my money where my mouth is.”
When it arrived, the car appeared to be in good condition considering its heavy usage over the last four years. Only a few scuff marks were visible from road wear and tear, mainly on the front.
Refurbishment was increasingly cheap too.
A driver seat pad sensor only set him back a tenner, while the wheels were refurbished for about £50 each (roughly $250 in total).
But what about those running costs?
Here’s the real selling point for Tesla – the popular Model 3 continues to break records across the US and now into the UK.
This car had 44,500kWh charged on AC frequency, meaning it was charged at primarily at home.
The cost of that comes at $3,115. That’s $33 every 1,000 miles!
It has cost just $3900 to run this Tesla Model 3 for 130,000 miles.
Compared to gas, which is reported to average out around $200 per 1,000 miles (600% more), that’s quite the saving.
So, even after 130,000 miles the Tesla Model 3 had 89% battery life and is dirt cheap to run every year.
It seems like the Model 3 is staying put as one of the most efficient cars ever produced, and given the recent UK snowy climate, it’s even quite the performer in the cold.
