Which model to buy

I have a 24 model 3 long range currently. It’s an amazing car. But I am about to trade it in for a 24 M3p, I personally want that extra power , bucket seats , better suspension etc. I would suggest the M3p if you are a younger person like myself . I’m 24 years old, don’t have kids or anything and seems like such a fun car to own. I’m going to test drive it some point this week I can’t wait

That’s so expensive. Looking to spend about $40,000 AUD

IMHO, the 2024+ Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD. Best value unles you REALLY need AWD. The HIghland refresh is a major, efficiency-focused update offering an EPA-rated range of 363 miles. Key upgrades include a more aerodynamic body, significantly quieter cabin, improved suspension, ventilated seats, and a revamped interior with ambient lighting.

I see. I would probably go for a used mode Y long range probably 2023

Is the highland refresh every 2024 M3?

the highland performance trims are about ~7k more. if you’re gonna drive it like you stole it the repairs on control arms/suspension, and staggered tires will really hurt. 2024 used m3p low miles is gonna be ~53k. The legacy performance trims (2022-23) can be found for 34k-36k usd. Not sure what that converts to aud. 24yo dropping 55k on a car with eventual maintenance topping it well over 60k, with ~200/mo insurance is insanity unless your parents are buying it or you’re already generating 150k/year.

I have a RWD after having a MYLR and can’t feel the difference in daily driving, including the standard audio system. Of course, I get more range which I like and paid a lot less for it, so this could be a good option :-)

Yes.

2017-2023 Model 3. 2024+ refresh

That depends on what you can afford. I felt like the 24 was the sweet spot, but the 23 is a steal if you don’t mind missing some of the improvements.

Our 2025 Model 3 LR RWD has 300+ horsepower and does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. To me, nothing is more important than range and 363 miles is very usable. But hey, we are old folks...:). It would be cheaper to acquire, less to insure, etc. In 2024, the did have a more affordable Standard Range Highland trim. It lost is $7500 tax credit in 2025 so they stopped making that trim.

You’re locked into a 23’ model if that’s your budget in Australia. Maybe in another 12mths you’ll find a 24’ or newer at that price but not at the moment. You can easily pick up a RWD for well under 40k but if you want to spend that amount, stretch to a AWD long range. Good ones are between 42-45k. They are quicker and the sound system is outstanding. If FSD is important, best to save more for a 24’ or newer because only Lord Musk knows when it’s coming down under for HW3

I have a 23 Model 3 and while it's a great car, and is usually quite a bit cheaper compared to used 24 or 25's, it is missing two key features: ventilated seats and HW4 (also called AI4 sometimes.) I live in Phoenix AZ and it gets really hot so the ventilated seats would be nice for sure and with HW4 you can have the latest version of FSD. My HW3 car is stuck at ver. 12 which... isn't so great in my opinion. But 24's and 25's are usually a lot more expensive--almost $10K or more for similar trims, from what I can see. So for you it'll come down to price. If money is the biggest factor, a 2023 will probably be the best option. Good luck!

Get the model F standard

honestly wanted to save a couple bucks on charging so i went with the 25' long range because im like why do i need the extra power when i live in such a busy city. But if i could go back i would definitely go with the performance model. The charging isn't that much more if you actually have somewhere to charge it ( not just relying on superchargers etc. outside your home) Me personally, i can charge it at home, or at this current job i have we charge for free. so I have been lucky enough to save me the $18-25 bucks almost ever week.

Really depends on what's important to you. I have a 23 rwd and it's been perfect for what I need (and was way cheaper than 24 models). Sure I miss out on some of the upgrades, but honestly for me and my use case of a commuter car, it's no big deal and worth saving easily 10K+. I got mine for <$25k usd and while it's not the fastest Tesla, it's still way faster than most cars. I'd rank what it's important in a car for you. For me it's 1. Reliability 2. Cost to purchase, insure, and operate and 3. Fun to drive.

I would save that money and put into investment at 24. But not financial advice.

I do invest, I have almost 180k between investments and savings. It’s a splurge to to get the performance , but I think it won’t affect my finances that badly. Idk I could be wrong

Performance if you can take the lower range. Otherwise go for the Long Range AWD.

2024+ long range AWD

Exactly the model that I have, and I find that even in the snow the RWD is just fine. AWD not worth the added cost, weight, and loss of efficiency.