Tesla Model 3 2018 Price: A Game Changer in the EV Market

The Tesla Model 3 2018 was a car that completely shook the electric vehicle (EV) market. People were excited to get their hands on this affordable EV that promised luxury technology and sustainability without burning a hole in their pocket. While Tesla's earlier models like the Model S and Model X were seen as high-end vehicles with equally high-end price tags the Model 3 was intended to be the car that brought Tesla’s vision of an all-electric future to the masses.

So how much exactly was this revolutionary car priced at when it first hit the market? Well that's what we’ll be diving into. We'll cover the 2018 Tesla Model 3 price its features how it compared to competitors and whether it was really worth your hard-earned money.

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Price

When Tesla announced the Model 3 back in 2016 they promised a price tag of $35,000 for the base model which was seen as a significant drop compared to their previous cars. By the time the car actually started deliveries in 2018 the price for the base version was around $36,000 but many buyers found themselves paying more for added features like Autopilot enhanced interiors and longer-range batteries.

• Base Price: $36,000
• With Popular Upgrades: $44,000 – $50,000

Most people didn’t actually buy the base version. They usually opted for the Long Range Model which had a price of around $44,000. This version had a longer driving range better performance and came with added perks like heated seats and an upgraded sound system. If you added Tesla’s famous Autopilot system the price would jump to about $50,000.

What Did You Get for That Price?

For a starting price of $36,000 you got a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Model 3 with a 220-mile range. It could go from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds which is quite fast for a car in this price bracket and had a top speed of 130 mph.

Standard Features:

• 15-inch touchscreen display
• Rear-wheel drive configuration
• Basic Autopilot (optional)
• Cloth seats (no leather here unless you upgrade)
• Bluetooth and connectivity options
• Sleek design with a glass roof

The Long Range Model

The Long Range Model 3 was priced at $44,000 and offered a 310-mile range which made it a strong contender against gas-powered sedans in terms of long-distance travel. The 0-60 mph time was also quicker at just 5.1 seconds and its top speed increased to 140 mph.

This version came with some premium upgrades including:

• Premium interior (better materials, heated seats)
• Better sound system (worth it for music lovers)
• Longer range (duh)

This is the model most buyers went for because it just offered so much more for a modest price jump.

Is the Tesla Model 3 2018 Really Worth It?

Pros of the Tesla Model 3 2018

1. Affordable Entry Into EVs: At $36,000 for the base model and $44,000 for the Long Range version the Tesla Model 3 is relatively affordable when you compare it to other electric vehicles with similar technology.
2. Minimalist Interior: The 15-inch touchscreen replaces most traditional controls and many drivers loved this futuristic look.
3. Great Range: A 310-mile range in the Long Range model meant you could do most of your driving without worrying about recharging frequently.
4. Supercharging Network: Tesla's Supercharging network is a huge advantage for long-distance travel.
5. Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla constantly pushes software updates to improve the car's performance add new features and fix bugs. This means your car actually improves over time.

Alex Collantes a tech enthusiast who bought the Model 3 in 2018 commented on his experience:

"I couldn't believe the tech you got for the price. The range was amazing and the autopilot was a game changer for me. The Model 3 just felt like the future of cars. Even today I feel like I'm driving something from 5 years ahead."

Drawbacks of the Tesla Model 3 2018

1. Build Quality Issues: Early Model 3s suffered from quality control issues. Owners reported problems with panel gaps, paint imperfections, and even misaligned doors. This is something Tesla has been working to improve but if you're buying a 2018 model second-hand it's worth inspecting closely.
2. Lack of Physical Controls: Some people love the minimalist interior but others find the reliance on the touchscreen frustrating. You have to adjust almost everything through the screen which can be distracting while driving.
3. Expensive Upgrades: While the base model was affordable adding options like Autopilot full self-driving or better interiors quickly made the car significantly more expensive.
4. Charging Infrastructure: While Tesla's Supercharger network is strong in many areas it may not be as extensive in rural regions. So, depending on where you live you might still have to plan trips around charging stops.

Is it Really a "Luxury" Car?

Tesla marketed the Model 3 as a more affordable option compared to the Model S or Model X but still pitched it as somewhat of a luxury vehicle. However there were a few places where you might have felt the price difference. For one the interior materials were not as plush as you’d expect from a luxury car. Tesla focused more on technology than on high-end comfort.

Still you can’t overlook the advanced features Tesla packed in:

• Full Self-Driving (FSD): This was a big selling point but it didn’t come cheap. At the time it was an additional $5,000 but it promised that one day your car could drive itself with no human intervention required (though as of today full FSD is still a work in progress).
• Autopilot: Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving feature was included with some trims but it was more of a driver-assist system than fully autonomous. It’s great for long highway drives but it’s not flawless.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

In 2018 there weren't many electric cars that could match the Model 3’s range performance and price.

Chevy Bolt EV

The Chevy Bolt was Tesla's main competitor in 2018. It was priced similarly around $36,620 and offered an EPA-rated range of 238 miles. The Bolt was praised for being practical and had a roomy interior compared to the Model 3. However the Bolt lacked the same level of technology and performance as the Tesla Model 3. For example it didn’t have anything close to Tesla’s Autopilot feature.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf was another affordable electric car in 2018 with a starting price of around $30,000 but it had a much shorter range of only 151 miles in its standard form. While the Leaf was a pioneer in the EV world it couldn’t match the driving range or the performance of the Tesla Model 3.

Used Tesla Model 3 2018 Prices in 2024

If you’re looking at buying a used Tesla Model 3 from 2018 it’s a good idea to check the current market prices. As of 2024 a used Tesla Model 3 from 2018 tends to go for around $25,000 to $32,000 depending on the condition mileage and whether it has upgrades like Autopilot or Full Self-Driving.

Depreciation has been relatively low for the Model 3 compared to gas-powered cars which typically lose value faster. This is partly because demand for used Teslas remains high as new models are expensive and used EVs qualify for various incentives in some states.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Used 2018 Model 3

• Battery health: Over time EV batteries lose some capacity. Make sure to check the range on a fully charged battery to ensure it’s close to what Tesla advertised.
• Build quality: As mentioned earlier early Model 3s had some build quality issues so it’s a good idea to inspect the vehicle carefully.
• Autopilot/FSD: Not all 2018 models come with these features. If they’re important to you make sure to verify whether they are included.

The Verdict: Was the Tesla Model 3 2018 a Good Buy?

In many ways the Tesla Model 3 2018 was a revolutionary car. It offered affordable entry into the EV world with a good blend of range, performance, and tech features that were hard to match by other brands at the time. The $36,000 base price was competitive but most buyers ended up paying closer to $44,000 to $50,000 with various upgrades.

Its drawbacks like build quality issues and the lack of physical controls might turn some people off but for many drivers the benefits of long range, over-the-air updates, and Tesla’s charging network far outweighed those concerns.

Final Thoughts from Alex Collantes:

"Even with the minor issues I faced, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Tesla Model 3. The performance alone is worth it and the car still feels ahead of its time even in 2024."

If you're thinking about getting a used Tesla Model 3 from 2018 today you can expect it to still be a strong contender in the EV market.

Whether or not it was "worth it" ultimately depends on your priorities but the Model 3 was undoubtedly a game changer. It made EVs more accessible to everyday buyers and put Tesla on the map as a household name.