TESLA MODEL 3 (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 133 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,100
£92/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1100/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TESLA brand average of 89%.
At 6 years old, 80% of TESLA MODEL 3s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 133 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,185 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,185
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 has 44,185 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 80%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 133 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2020 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 44,185 miles at 6 years old, TESLA MODEL 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2020 TESLA MODEL 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,100 (£92/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 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.
TESLA MODEL 3 Reliability Trend
Newer TESLA MODEL 3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2020 TESLA MODEL 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESLA MODEL 3(2020) | 80% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1100 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095-£5 |
| JAGUAR I-PACE(2020) | 96% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £945-£155 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095-£5 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD(2020) | 87% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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