Figure 1: Family excitedly takes delivery of their 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Salt Lake City, showcasing the promise of electric vehicle range and ownership.
Five years and approximately 138,856 miles into our journey with a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 Long Range (pictured above on delivery day, October 21, 2019), it’s time for an in-depth review. As we approach the 5-year anniversary on October 21, 2024, this long-term ownership experience offers valuable insights into the real-world Range Of Tesla Model 3, maintenance costs, and overall reliability. This review complements a recent 5-year review of a Model 3 Standard Range Plus, providing a broader perspective on Tesla Model 3 ownership and what you can anticipate in terms of expenses and performance over time. Please note that this analysis excludes fuel (electricity) costs, interest, insurance, and resale value to focus specifically on maintenance and range-related aspects.
The exterior of our Model 3 has held up reasonably well, though not flawlessly. The front fascia remains aesthetically pleasing, enhanced by the absence of a front license plate. However, the flat white surface is prone to collecting bugs, particularly in Wisconsin’s humid climate, and has accumulated minor paint chips. While a front-end bra could have prevented this, it would have compromised the car’s appearance. A replacement front fascia is estimated at $650 for those seeking a pristine look. Inside, the standard black vegan leather seats are still in excellent condition. However, the front console USB charging outlets have ceased functioning, requiring us to use the rear outlets. Repairing the front USB ports is on the service to-do list for the next visit.
Long-Term Reliability and the Appeal of Electric: Minimal Service Needs Over the Last 20 Months
As an advocate for green technology and electric vehicles, and a Tesla enthusiast, the Model 3 continues to impress. Despite some polarizing actions from Elon Musk, the core appeal of the Tesla Model 3 remains strong. The exhilarating acceleration and the advanced “Full Self Driving” (FSD) capabilities are key reasons for this enduring satisfaction. FSD, even in its supervised form, offers a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving, handling most driving tasks under ideal conditions.
Full Self Driving (FSD) Supervised V12.5: A Step Towards Autonomous Driving
Our Model 3 is equipped with the Full Self Driving (Supervised) package, currently running V12.5.4. FSD impressively navigates to destinations entered into the navigation system, performing nearly as well as a skilled human driver in many situations. However, occasional imperfections necessitate driver intervention to prevent potential accidents. Areas for improvement include navigating stop signs and heavy traffic, where FSD can be overly cautious, requiring slight accelerator input at intersections. Despite these minor drawbacks, FSD has significantly evolved over the past two years, demonstrating improvements in areas such as rotary navigation, obstacle avoidance, lane management in construction zones, and speed bump detection. However, it’s important to note that FSD still does not respond to 20-mph school zone signs and flashing lights.
Maintenance Costs and Battery Range: Examining Long-Term EV Ownership
The inherent simplicity of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars is well-documented. EVs eliminate complex components like engines, transmissions, exhaust systems, and cooling systems, which are prone to costly repairs in ICE vehicles. However, the high cost of EV batteries raises concerns about potential replacement expenses. To mitigate battery degradation and extend its lifespan, we have adopted careful charging habits, rarely exceeding 80% charge and primarily using Level 2 charging in our garage. Despite this, the range of our Tesla Model 3 has experienced some degradation. When new, the EPA-rated range was 310 miles. Currently, at a 100% charge, the car estimates a range of 271 miles. This represents a range loss of 39 miles, or approximately 12.5%, over 138,856 miles. At 112,000 miles, the battery degradation was around 8%, indicating an accelerated degradation of roughly 4.5% in the last 26,856 miles. While battery degradation was anticipated, the rate at higher mileage is slightly concerning.
The warranty on the drive system and battery for our Model 3 expired at 130,000 miles, meaning future repairs will be out-of-pocket. Our home solar panels in Utah allow for sunshine-powered driving, but Supercharger use during cross-country trips incurs electricity costs comparable to gasoline car fuel expenses. Fortunately, reader referrals have provided free Supercharging for the past year. However, the weight of the EV battery and the car’s rapid acceleration contribute to faster tire wear compared to ICE vehicles, increasing maintenance costs.
Over approximately 138,856 miles, the combined cost of tires and out-of-warranty repairs for our Model 3 totals $5,290.15. Opting for economy tires for three out of four sets helped manage costs, although an unexpected tire failure led to a more expensive tire replacement. While the total cost is higher than initially projected, it remains comparable to the long-term expenses associated with an ICE vehicle, considering repairs, tires, oil changes, emission checks, brakes, and fuel costs. The anticipated long-term savings with EVs will materialize by avoiding major ICE car component replacements like timing belts, mufflers, exhaust systems, transmissions, and engine rebuilds. Our goal is to drive our Tesla Model 3 to 500,000 miles, a feasible expectation given the durability of electric drive systems and batteries.
Figure 2: Tesla Model 3 Long Range parked at Zion National Park, Utah, illustrating the car’s suitability for road trips and adventures, despite considerations for charging infrastructure and range planning.
Figure 2 showcases our Tesla Model 3 with my wife and dog, Zuni, at Zion National Park in Utah, where we spend winters near our daughter.
Detailed service costs through 138,856 miles are listed below, with no new service expenses since the 90,000-mile mark, excluding tire replacements. The Tesla app conveniently provided dates, mileage, and costs for repairs within the past two years, offering a partial service history.
Itemized Service Costs (Out-of-Warranty):
- Tires (4 sets): $3,040.15 ($578.93 + $565.44 + $1252.23 + $644.15). The fourth set should last until 150,000 miles, but winter tire considerations may necessitate earlier replacement.
- Cabin Air Filter Replacement: $29.00 (mobile service installation included). The cabin air filter is a dual-unit component, and professional installation is recommended due to complexity.
- 4-Wheel Alignment (twice): ~$280 (approximately $140 each).
- Resealed Right Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joint: $49 (November 3, 2021, 54,131 miles). Addressed a squeaking noise.
- 4-Wheel Alignment: $90.75 (November 3, 2021, 54,131 miles).
- Superbottle (Battery and Drive System Cooling Valve) Replacement: $672.75 (July 22, 2022, 73,149 miles). Resolved a speed limitation issue.
- Windshield Wiper Replacement: $23.00 (February 2, 2023, 88,705 miles). A simple DIY task.
- PTC/Cabin Heater Replacement: $1,148.00 (February 20, 2023, 90,029 miles). Resolved a “car wouldn’t go into drive” issue.
- Rubber Floor Mats (Amazon): $49 (March 2024). Replaced worn-out original cloth mats.
An interesting note: Despite its advanced technology, the Model 3 uses a traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery to power the electronics during startup. While mine is still functioning after five years, proactive replacement might be considered, especially as newer Teslas use more durable lithium-ion 12V batteries. [Editor’s note: Tesla provides a touchscreen notification when the 12V battery needs replacement.]
Repair/Maintenance Cost Summary:
- Tires (4 sets): $3,040.15
- 4-wheel alignment (3 times): $370.75
- Superbottle replacement: $672.75
- PTC replacement: $1,148.00
- Cabin air filter replacement: $29.00
- Windshield wiper replacement: $23.00
- Floor mats: $49
- Windshield wiper fluid: $10.00
- TOTAL: $5,290.15
Additional Ownership Costs:
Annual registration for our 2019 Tesla Model 3 in Utah is $318.25, including a $188 electric vehicle fee to compensate for the lack of gasoline tax contribution to road maintenance.
The Unexpectedly High Cost: Insurance
Reviewing our Tesla insurance policy from Bear River Insurance revealed a surprisingly high annual premium of $3,089. Over five years, total insurance costs could reach $15,000, significantly exceeding the $5,200 spent on tires and repairs. This highlights that while EV maintenance can be lower, overall ownership costs, particularly insurance, can be substantial.
We encourage Tesla owners to share their repair experiences in the comments below to contribute to a collective understanding of long-term Tesla ownership.
Tesla Referral Program: Tesla’s referral program is currently active. If you found this review helpful and are considering a new Tesla, please use my referral link: https://ts.la/arthur73734. Using this link may provide you with a discount on a new Model S or X ($1,000) or Model 3 or Y ($500), along with 3 months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised). Remember to remain vigilant and prepared to intervene when using FSD.
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