FYI: Andrew Lambrecht’s purchase of a high-mileage Tesla Model 3 turned out to be a pleasant surprise despite initial concerns about the electric vehicle’s battery life and condition.
The Purchase: A High-Mileage Tesla Model 3
Andrew Lambrecht discovered a 2019 Tesla Model 3 with an odometer reading of 87,300 miles. Despite the high mileage, the price was irresistible at just $26,000. This Model 3 came with the Full-Self Driving upgrade, a feature that currently costs $15,000 on newer models. Although not as cheap as some new incentives available, this deal was still hard to beat.
Battery Health: A Concern Turned Reassurance
When purchasing an electric vehicle, battery health is a critical consideration. Lambrecht took a leap of faith on this heavily used Tesla, betting against common wisdom that advises against such purchases unless the vehicle has between 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
A Year of Enjoyable Driving
In a year, Lambrecht added 6,700 miles to the Tesla. He found the car’s performance to be exceptional, praising its drive and overall experience. His decision was validated despite the initial reservations, leading him to consider buying another used Tesla in the future.
The Downside: Factors to Consider
Lambrecht bought the Tesla from an owner who barely used it, having only driven it for 2,650 miles before trading up for a Model Y. The Model Y is known for being more spacious and offers a seven-seater option, which appealed to the original owner.
Unable to confirm the vehicle’s condition with the previous owner directly, Lambrecht contacted Tesla to check the VIN. A minor overheating issue was identified and fixed, and there were no other significant problems despite the high mileage.
Additional Issues and Resolutions
Lambrecht did encounter a creaking noise in the steering wheel—a common issue for this model. Fortunately, Tesla fixed this issue free of charge, even though the car was out of its basic warranty period. This positive experience further solidified Lambrecht’s appreciation for Tesla.
Current Battery Performance
Despite being labeled as in ‘excellent’ condition by EV tech firm Recurrent, the battery does show signs of wear. A full charge gets Lambrecht about 160 miles of range, which is approximately 33% lower than the car’s original range. Nevertheless, Lambrecht considers the trade-off worth it, given the overall satisfaction with the vehicle.
Summary
Andrew Lambrecht’s experience with a high-mileage Tesla Model 3 underscores the potential benefits and drawbacks of buying a used electric vehicle. Despite an initial uncertainty, the car’s performance and Tesla’s customer service have made him a firm believer in the brand. For future purchases, he is likely to opt for another secondhand Tesla, demonstrating his confidence rooted in this positive experience.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
