Tesla Model 3 (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 133 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,160
£97/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1,160/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Tesla brand average of 89%.
80% of MOT tests on Tesla Model 3s from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 133 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 44,185 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,185
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Tesla Model 3 had 44,185 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 80%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Tesla Model 3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 Tesla Model 3
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 133 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 3% of 2020 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 44,185 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Tesla Model 3 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
What does it cost to own a 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,160 (£97/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2020 Tesla Model 3
At 6 years old, the Tesla Model 3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 6 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2020 Tesla Model 3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3(2020) | 80% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160same |
| Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010-£150 |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160same |
| Nissan Leaf(2021) | 94% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010-£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2020 Tesla Model 3
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2020 Tesla Model 3s ended in a pass, from 133 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Tesla Model 3 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,160 a year (£97 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Tesla Model 3?
80% of 133 MOT tests on the 2020 Tesla Model 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2499th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom 3%).
Which year Tesla Model 3 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2020 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 Tesla Model 3?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Tesla Model 3 is 44,185 miles, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Tesla Models
Explore other Tesla cars or similar models in the same category.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd
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Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +
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Jaguar I-Pace
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