Tesla Model 3 Keeps Maintenance Costs at Just $1,800 Over 5 Years & 155K Miles

Tesla Joy, a popular YouTuber known for their engaging content on electric vehicles, recently collaborated with Lawrence, a proud owner of a Tesla Model 3, for an exceptional review. Lawrence, who has accumulated an impressive 155,000 miles on his Model 3 over the span of five years, shared his comprehensive ownership experience in a YouTube video.

Lawrence’s Tesla Model 3 Performance, a 2018 model equipped with dual motors and all-wheel drive, boasts an impressive acceleration of 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. With an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles and an MSRP of $64,000, the 2018 Model 3 Performance remains a standout option in the electric vehicle market.

Together, Tesla Joy and Lawrence offer viewers an insightful and exciting review of the Model 3’s capabilities, performance, and long-term ownership experience. In this blog post, we delve into Lawrence’s own experience with his Tesla Model 3 Performance and it’s maintenance costs.

Let’s find out what we know so far!

Tesla Model 3 At 155,000 Miles Review

Lawrence, an avid Tesla enthusiast, has driven his 2018 Model 3 Performance for 154,565 miles, nearly 155,000 miles over the past five years. Joy’s friend Lawrence has been an early adopter of electric vehicles, being one of the first to take delivery of his Performance Tesla Model 3 back in September 2018.

Over the past few years, Lawrence has truly put his Model 3 to the test, accumulating an impressive mileage of approximately 155,000 miles. One interesting aspect is that Lawrence lives in an apartment and doesn’t have access to home charging, relying primarily on supercharging sessions to power his vehicle.

Given this unique situation, many wonder how his battery is holding up after extensive supercharging usage and how much degradation he has experienced. Also, Lawrence’s Tesla Model 3 maintenance costs are worth discussing, as they provide insights into the long-term ownership expenses of a Tesla Model 3.

By examining these factors, we can gain a better understanding of Lawrence’s experience and the overall durability and cost-effectiveness of owning a Tesla Model 3 in challenging charging conditions.

Through the YouTube video, Lawrence shares his insights, highlighting various aspects of his ownership, including battery degradation, performance, range, and pricing. Join us as we explore Lawrence’s first-hand experience with the Model 3 Performance.

Tesla Model 3 Performance Cost of Ownership

The 2018 Model 3 Performance truly stands out with its dual motors and all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in a remarkable 3.5 seconds. Lawrence emphasizes the thrill of instant torque delivery, delivering an exhilarating driving experience that surpasses conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Joy mentions how Lawrence is one of the earliest owners of Tesla Model 3 taking the delivery of the Tesla in 2018. She had the chance to test-ride Lawrence’s Tesla Model 3 and also talks about the old video. She also mentions about white interiors of the EV mentioning how plush the interiors feel with it.

Tesla Model 3 Range & Efficiency

Lawrence reflects on his ownership and usage of the Tesla Model 3 and highlights how it feels fundamentally different from the gas cars he had previously owned. He notes that traditional cars age noticeably over time, but with his Model 3, he describes the experience as strange because it seems to defy aging.

In fact, as he mentions, the car will soon celebrate its fifth anniversary in September 2018, yet it still retains its remarkable performance. Lawrence marvels at the lifetime miles recorded on his trip card and the impressive efficiency, averaging at 240 watt-hours per mile, despite his tendency to enjoy and drive at higher speeds.

He acknowledges that he doesn’t treat the car gently, yet it continues to deliver outstanding performance. Lawrence expresses amazement at how even though his 2018 Model 3 is now considered a dinosaur compared to newer Tesla models, it still performs just as brilliantly as the day he first drove it off the lot.

Tesla Model 3 Battery Degradation

According to Lawrence, he has been closely monitoring the degradation of his car’s battery and has observed a loss of 8% to 10% capacity. Interestingly, the Tessie app on his phone indicates an even higher percentage of 11%.

Taking both measurements into account, Lawrence estimates the overall battery degradation to be between 8% and 11%, which he finds remarkable considering the mileage he has accumulated on the vehicle.

Remarkably, Tesla’s warranty specifies that as long as the battery capacity remains above approximately 70%, it is considered to be within specifications. While Lawrence doesn’t personally feel the effects of the degradation on a daily basis since he rarely uses it at full battery capacity.

It’s worth noting that the 2170 cells in his Model 3 Performance appear to degrade at a similar rate to the older Model S cells.

Living in an apartment without access to home charging, Lawrence heavily relies on supercharging as his primary method for recharging his electric vehicle. Initially, he had reservations about the potential negative effects of frequent supercharging on the battery’s health. However, his experience has proven to be quite positive.

Lawrence finds the supercharging process to be incredibly convenient, as it only takes around 10 minutes to reach a charge level of 55-60%.

This quick charging time is not a significant inconvenience for him. Interestingly, he has not observed any significant disparity in battery degradation when compared to those who choose slower charging methods. This observation does alleviate some major battery-related concerns and dispelled some of the apprehensions surrounding the use of supercharging as a regular charging solution.

Cost of Ownership

During Lawrence’s ownership experience, he adopted an unconventional approach to maintenance, delaying standard servicing until his Tesla Model 3 Performance reached an impressive 145,000 miles. With an experimental mindset, he wanted to push the limits and see how far the vehicle could go before any significant repairs were required. Eventually, Lawrence did encounter some replacements, including the charging socket at a cost of $600, an upper control arm at $300, the 12V battery for $125, and a cabin air filter he sourced from Amazon for $15.

Also, Lawrence made a cost-conscious decision when it came to replacing the original Michelin 4S tires. Instead of opting for the pricier option, he chose to go with a cheaper Chinese alternative, the Triangle tires, which only set him back $75 per tire. This choice allowed him to save a significant amount of money while still ensuring his vehicle’s safe and reliable performance.

Overall, after five years and an astonishing 155,000 miles, Lawrence spent approximately $2,000 on maintenance costs, which is truly remarkable. His frugal approach and strategic decision-making showcase his ability to keep maintenance expenses to a minimum.

This insight is invaluable for individuals interested in understanding the potential long-term costs associated with owning a Tesla Model 3 and highlights Lawrence’s ability to effectively manage and reduce maintenance expenses without compromising the overall performance and reliability of his vehicle.

Certainly! Here’s a chart summarizing the cost of ownership for Lawrence’s 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance over five years, including maintenance expenses:

Please note that the chart does not include any additional expenses and solely focuses on the specific maintenance items Lawrence had to replace and their associated costs.

Practicality and Value For Money

When it comes to maintenance, Lawrence provides some amusing anecdotes about his experiences with his Tesla Model 3. He mentions that the upper control arm replacement cost him $300, while the charger connector set him back $600.

For air filters, Lawrence takes matters into his own hands and purchases them from Amazon for around $15 to $20. Surprisingly, he hasn’t changed the windshield wipers, deliberately leaving the fluid out to avoid interference with Autopilot’s operation, which he humorously points out.

As for the brakes, Lawrence confesses that he is still using the original brake pads and admits that the most embarrassing thing about his car is the loud squeaking noise they make when he suddenly applies them after prolonged brake-free driving. However, he shares that he read somewhere that occasional hard braking is actually recommended for Teslas.

What To Expect In The Future?

Lawrence, the high-mileage maestro, has been singing the praises of his Tesla Model 3 Performance’s main battery. Clocking in at a jaw-dropping 155,000 miles, this trusty powerhouse hasn’t caused him a single headache in the maintenance department. But, the fact is, he did take some serious thought and care managing his EV all these years.

It wasn’t until around the 145,000-mile mark that Lawrence even needed to give it a second thought. Talk about reliability!

The battery’s endurance and fortitude are a testament to Tesla’s cutting-edge technology. With no signs of substantial degradation or catastrophic failures, it seems this battery has been on a marathon while others are still lacing up their running shoes.

Bravo, Lawrence, bravo!

But what does all this mean for Tesla owners and potential buyers? Does it give them some peace of mind? Well, it certainly does. However, we would still urge everyone to take this information with a little bit of salt among all sweet nothings.

While electric vehicles (EVs) have been shown to require less maintenance compared to their gasoline counterparts, it’s important to note that they are not completely maintenance-free. Regular upkeep and monitoring of an EV’s health can have a positive impact on both road safety and the longevity of the vehicle. Tesla, like many other EV manufacturers, provides service recommendations to ensure the optimum health and performance of their vehicles.

In the case of Lawrence’s ownership review of the Tesla Model 3, it would be worthwhile to watch his insights to gain further knowledge about the car’s interior, any quality issues he may have encountered, and his experience with the Full Self-Driving Beta feature update, which he recently received.

Lawrence’s first-hand account can provide valuable information for potential owners and allow them to make informed decisions. Moreover, it would be interesting to hear from viewers and readers about their thoughts on the Model 3’s aging process in comparison to other electric vehicles. Sharing opinions and experiences can contribute to a broader understanding of the long-term performance and reliability of different EV models.

Bottomline

Lawrence’s journey with his 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance has been nothing short of remarkable. With minimal battery degradation despite frequent supercharging and a vehicle that has demanded minimal maintenance, his ownership experience has been a testament to the quality and durability of Tesla’s electric vehicles.

Lawrence’s insights serve as a valuable resource for those considering the long-term performance and reliability of these cutting-edge automobiles. His positive experience highlights the enduring appeal of Tesla’s commitment to providing sustainable and reliable transportation options.

Make sure to check out Lawrence’s ownership review video above to gain insights into the Model 3’s interior, any potential quality issues, and his experience with the recent Full Self-Driving Beta feature update.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on the Model 3 in our comments section. How do you see Tesla Model 3 and its aging process in comparison to other electric vehicles? Your valuable input will contribute to a broader understanding of the long-term performance and durability of the Model 3 and can help potential buyers make informed decisions.