Tesla Model 3: A Comprehensive Review After 5 Years of Ownership

Published on: Jun 01, 2025

Introduction: Five Years and Counting with My Tesla Model 3

In 2019, I took delivery of my Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Now, five years and countless miles later, I'm ready to share a comprehensive review based on real-world experience. This isn't your typical spec-sheet regurgitation; it's a deep dive into the highs and lows, the surprising benefits, and the occasional frustrations of long-term Model 3 ownership. Whether you're considering buying a new or used Model 3, or simply curious about the electric vehicle experience, this review will provide valuable insights.

The Initial Allure: Why I Chose the Model 3

Back in 2019, the electric vehicle landscape was significantly different. The Model 3 stood out for several reasons:

Range: The Long Range model offered a then-impressive EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. This eliminated range anxiety for most daily commutes and even longer road trips.
Performance: Even the non-Performance model offered exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling, a significant upgrade from my previous gasoline car.
Technology: Tesla's Autopilot, while not fully self-driving, was a game-changer for highway driving, reducing driver fatigue. The minimalist interior and large touchscreen were also incredibly appealing.
Charging Infrastructure: Tesla's Supercharger network provided a reliable and convenient way to charge on long journeys.
Environmental Impact: The desire to reduce my carbon footprint played a significant role in my decision.

While other EVs were available, none offered the combination of range, performance, technology, and charging infrastructure that the Model 3 provided.

Battery Health and Range Degradation: What to Expect After 5 Years

One of the biggest concerns for EV owners is battery health. After five years and approximately 75,000 miles, my Model 3 has experienced some range degradation, but it's less than I initially anticipated. According to my Tesla app and third-party monitoring tools, I've lost about 7% of the original battery capacity. This translates to a real-world range reduction of roughly 20-25 miles under similar driving conditions.

Factors that have influenced battery degradation include:

Charging Habits: I primarily charge to 80% and avoid frequently charging to 100% or depleting the battery to near zero. This practice is recommended by Tesla to prolong battery life.
Climate: I live in a region with moderate temperatures, which is generally better for battery health than extreme heat or cold.
Driving Style: While I enjoy the Model 3's acceleration, I generally drive conservatively, which helps to minimize battery strain.
Supercharger Usage: I use Superchargers occasionally for road trips, but I primarily charge at home using a Level 2 charger. Frequent Supercharger use can accelerate battery degradation.

While 7% degradation is noticeable, it hasn't significantly impacted my daily driving. I still have ample range for my commute and errands, and I can still comfortably complete long road trips with strategic charging stops. Monitoring battery health using the Tesla app and third-party tools like TeslaFi is essential to understanding your battery's performance over time.

Reliability and Maintenance: Beyond the Myths

Tesla has faced criticism regarding reliability, but my experience has been generally positive. The Model 3 requires significantly less maintenance than a traditional gasoline car. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system repairs to worry about.

Here's a breakdown of the maintenance I've performed over the past five years:

Tire Rotations: I've rotated the tires every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear.
Tire Replacements: I've replaced the tires twice due to wear and tear. EV tires tend to wear out faster due to the vehicle's weight and instant torque.
Cabin Air Filter Replacements: I've replaced the cabin air filter annually to maintain good air quality inside the car.
Windshield Washer Fluid Refills: A simple task that I've performed as needed.
Brake Service: Because of regenerative braking, the brake pads last significantly longer. I haven't needed to replace the brake pads yet, but I've had the brakes inspected and cleaned periodically.
12V Battery Replacement: The 12V battery, which powers the car's accessories, needed replacement after four years. This is a common maintenance item for EVs.
Software Updates: Tesla's over-the-air software updates have been a major benefit, adding new features, improving performance, and addressing bugs.

I did experience a few minor issues, including a faulty door handle sensor and a malfunctioning parking sensor. These were both covered under warranty and resolved promptly by Tesla service. Overall, my maintenance costs have been significantly lower than those of my previous gasoline cars.

The Driving Experience: A Constant Evolution

The Model 3's driving experience is truly unique. The instant torque provides exhilarating acceleration, making it fun to drive in city traffic and on the open road. The regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which takes some getting used to but becomes incredibly intuitive and efficient. The low center of gravity contributes to excellent handling and stability.

Tesla's Autopilot has also improved significantly over the past five years through software updates. While it's still not a fully self-driving system, it provides excellent driver assistance features, such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic lane changes. Autopilot reduces driver fatigue on long highway journeys and makes commuting less stressful. Full Self-Driving (FSD) is a separate, continually evolving software package that offers more advanced autonomous driving capabilities, but requires constant driver supervision. I've tested FSD Beta, and while it shows promise, it's still not perfect and requires attentive monitoring.

The minimalist interior and large touchscreen provide a modern and uncluttered driving environment. The touchscreen controls almost all of the car's functions, which some people find intuitive while others find distracting. I've grown accustomed to the touchscreen interface, but I appreciate that Tesla has added more physical controls in newer models.

Supercharging and Home Charging: Fueling the Future

Tesla's Supercharger network is a major advantage for long-distance travel. Superchargers are strategically located along major highways and provide fast and reliable charging. The charging speed varies depending on the Supercharger version (V2 or V3) and the car's state of charge. V3 Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes.

Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge your Model 3. I installed a Level 2 charger in my garage, which allows me to fully charge the car overnight. Level 2 charging provides significantly faster charging than a standard 120V wall outlet. I typically charge to 80% overnight, which provides ample range for my daily driving needs.

The cost of charging depends on your electricity rates. In my area, charging at home costs significantly less than fueling a gasoline car. Supercharger costs vary depending on location and time of day.

Pros and Cons After 5 Years: A Balanced Perspective

After five years of ownership, I've identified the following pros and cons of the Tesla Model 3:

Pros:

Performance: Exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling.
Range: Ample range for daily driving and long road trips.
Technology: Advanced driver assistance features, over-the-air software updates, and a minimalist interior.
Charging Infrastructure: Tesla's Supercharger network provides convenient and reliable charging.
Low Maintenance Costs: Significantly lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline cars.
Environmental Friendliness: Reduced carbon footprint and emissions.
Resale Value: Tesla vehicles tend to hold their value well.
Over-the-Air Updates: Continuous improvements and new features added through software updates.

Cons:

Range Degradation: Battery capacity decreases over time, resulting in reduced range.
Tire Wear: EV tires tend to wear out faster due to the vehicle's weight and instant torque.
Touchscreen Dependence: Controlling almost all functions through the touchscreen can be distracting for some drivers.
Service Experience: Tesla's service experience can be inconsistent, with long wait times for appointments in some areas.
Initial Cost: The Model 3 is more expensive than comparable gasoline cars.
Phantom Braking: Occasional unexpected braking events, particularly with Autopilot engaged.
Road Noise: Can be noticeable, especially on rough road surfaces.

The Long-Term Cost of Ownership: Crunching the Numbers

To determine the true cost of ownership, it's essential to consider all expenses, including purchase price, financing costs, insurance, maintenance, electricity costs, and depreciation. While the initial cost of the Model 3 is higher than a comparable gasoline car, the lower maintenance and fuel costs can offset this difference over time.

Here's a simplified breakdown of my estimated costs over five years:

Purchase Price: $55,000 (including options and taxes)
Financing Costs: $5,000 (estimated interest on loan)
Insurance: $6,000 (estimated average annual cost)
Maintenance: $2,000 (tire rotations, tire replacements, cabin air filters, 12V battery)
Electricity Costs: $3,000 (estimated cost of charging at home and at Superchargers)
Depreciation: $15,000 (estimated loss in value after five years)
Total Cost: $86,000

To compare, let's estimate the cost of owning a comparable gasoline car over the same period:

Purchase Price: $40,000
Financing Costs: $4,000
Insurance: $6,000
Maintenance: $8,000 (oil changes, spark plug replacements, brake service, etc.)
Fuel Costs: $15,000 (assuming an average of 25 mpg and $4/gallon)
Depreciation: $12,000
Total Cost: $85,000

In this example, the total cost of ownership is similar for both the Model 3 and the gasoline car. However, the Model 3 offers significant advantages in terms of performance, technology, and environmental impact. The actual cost of ownership will vary depending on individual circumstances, such as driving habits, electricity rates, and maintenance costs.

Future Considerations: What's Next for My Model 3?

After five years, I'm still happy with my Model 3. It's a fun, efficient, and technologically advanced car that has significantly reduced my carbon footprint. I plan to continue driving it for several more years.

Here are some future considerations:

Battery Replacement: If battery degradation becomes more significant, I may consider replacing the battery pack. The cost of a battery replacement is still relatively high, but it's likely to decrease over time.
Software Updates: I'll continue to benefit from Tesla's over-the-air software updates, which will add new features and improve performance.
New Tesla Models: I'm interested in seeing what new models Tesla releases in the future. The Cybertruck and the next-generation Roadster are particularly intriguing.

Is the Tesla Model 3 Still Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value performance, technology, low maintenance costs, and environmental friendliness, the Model 3 is an excellent choice. However, if you're concerned about the initial cost, potential range degradation, or the touchscreen-dependent interface, you may want to consider other options.

Here's my advice for potential Model 3 buyers in 2024:

Test Drive: Take a Model 3 for a test drive to experience the driving dynamics and the touchscreen interface firsthand.
Research: Read reviews, compare prices, and research the various Model 3 configurations.
Consider a Used Model: A used Model 3 can be a great value, especially if it's still under warranty.
Evaluate Your Charging Needs: Determine whether you can easily install a Level 2 charger at home.
Factor in Long-Term Costs: Consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, financing costs, insurance, maintenance, and electricity costs.

Conclusion: A Five-Year Retrospective on Electric Vehicle Ownership

My five-year journey with the Tesla Model 3 has been a positive and insightful experience. I've learned a lot about electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and the future of transportation. While there have been some minor challenges along the way, the benefits of owning a Model 3 have far outweighed the drawbacks. The Model 3 has proven to be a reliable, efficient, and technologically advanced car that has significantly enhanced my driving experience. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, I'm excited to see what the future holds for Tesla and the automotive industry as a whole. I hope my comprehensive review has provided valuable insights for those considering a Tesla Model 3 or simply curious about the electric vehicle revolution. The transition to electric vehicles is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we think about transportation, and the Tesla Model 3 has been at the forefront of this transformation.