Used Tesla Model 3 for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £17,000

Tesla Model 3 (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable to buy for a premium electric car	A little cramped in the back and boot
Brilliant Tesla Supercharger network	No head-up display
Even better to drive since 2024 update	Latest version lacks physical stalks for major driving controls

Quick Summary

The Tesla Model 3 is a pure-electric alternative to the BMW 3 Series and rivals the Polestar 2, BMW i4, and Hyundai Ioniq 6. First launched in 2018, it received a significant update in 2024 that increased the official WLTP driving range to between 344 and 421 miles. The 2024 Model 3 features a startlingly minimal interior with indicator controls as steering wheel buttons and drive/park/reverse selection via the touchscreen. It remains compatible with Type 2 and CCS sockets, allowing charging at the vast majority of public chargers, including Tesla's excellent Supercharger network.

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive and Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive variants, the Model 3 offers impressive charging speeds of up to 170kW and 250kW respectively, enabling a 100-mile top-up in 10 to 15 minutes at fast chargers. Most owners will charge at home using a standard 7kW wall box, delivering a full charge in around 10 to 12 hours. The 2024 suspension updates have made the Model 3 more entertaining whilst improving ride comfort, creating a confident, balanced, and satisfying drive. It's one of the cheapest premium electric cars to buy and run, with finance deals typically cheaper than comparable rivals, though insurance costs are high due to its insurance group rating of 48-50.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a premium electric car, those valuing the Tesla Supercharger network, and drivers wanting an efficient, technologically advanced executive saloon with strong semi-autonomous driving aids.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising rear passenger space or boot capacity, those wanting a head-up display, or those uncomfortable with the minimal interior design lacking physical stalks and buttons for major driving controls.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Model 3 if: You're seeking an affordable premium electric car, value the Tesla Supercharger network, or want an efficient, technologically advanced executive saloon with strong semi-autonomous driving aids.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise rear passenger space or boot capacity, require a head-up display, or are uncomfortable with the minimal interior design lacking physical stalks and buttons for major driving controls.

Competitive Position: The Tesla Model 3 is one of the very best premium electric cars available, offering exceptional value, impressive driving range, and ownership experience. Whilst the BMW i4 may appeal to those seeking a more engaging drive and traditional controls, and the Polestar 2 offers better rear passenger comfort with a hatchback boot, the Model 3 remains more affordable than almost all close rivals. Its efficient design, industry-leading semi-autonomous driving aids, and access to the brilliant Tesla Supercharger network make it a remarkable choice for both new and used buyers seeking a practical, technologically advanced electric executive saloon.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.