Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y: Which Used Tesla Is Right for You? (2026 Edition)
In 2026, the choice between a used Tesla Model 3 and a used Model Y is no longer just about size—it is about value. With the Model 3 now available for under £16,000 and the Model Y settling around the £21,000 mark, both offer incredible performance for the price of a generic hatchback.
However, they are very different beasts to live with. This guide breaks down the real-world differences to help you decide.
The “Tax Trap”: A 2026 Warning
Before comparing the cars, you must understand the new tax rules.
- Cars registered BEFORE 1 April 2025: You pay the standard rate (~£195/year). You are exempt from the “Expensive Car Supplement.”
- Cars registered AFTER 1 April 2025: If the list price was over £40,000 (which covers almost all Long Range & Performance models), you pay the standard rate PLUS a £425 supplement. Total: ~£620/year.
The Verdict: Buying a 2023 or 2024 used model could save you over £2,000 in tax over 5 years compared to a newer registration.
1. Size and Practicality
The Boot Space Reality
The numbers on paper don’t tell the full story.
- Model 3: It has a deep boot (425 litres), but the opening is a “postbox” slot. You cannot fit a washing machine, large dog crate, or bulky IKEA boxes through the opening.
- Model Y: It has a massive hatchback opening. With the rear seats folded flat, it offers van-like utility (over 2,100 litres).
- Dog Owner Note: The Model 3 boot is enclosed; your dog cannot sit in it. The Model Y boot is open to the cabin, making it the only real option for dog owners.
The 7-Seater Myth
Important for UK Buyers: Despite what you may see on US forums, the 7-seater Model Y was never sold in the UK. Every used Model Y you see listed in the UK is strictly a 5-seater.
2. Comfort and Ride Quality
This is where the model year matters immensely.
- Model 3 (2019-2023): Known for a firm, sporty ride. You will feel potholes.
- Model 3 (2024+ Highland): Significantly softer suspension and better noise isolation (acoustic glass all round).
- Model Y (2022): The early Model Ys delivered to the UK had notoriously stiff suspension—many owners complain it is “crashy” on British B-roads.
- Model Y (2023 onwards): Tesla updated the suspension dampers (“Comfort Suspension”). If buying a Model Y, try to find a late-2023 model or newer for a much smoother ride.
3. Real-World Range & Efficiency
| Model | Real World Range (Long Range AWD) | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | ~320 - 350 miles | 4.0 - 4.5 miles/kWh |
| Model Y | ~290 - 310 miles | 3.5 - 3.8 miles/kWh |
The Aerodynamic Penalty: The Model Y is taller and boxier. At 70mph on a UK motorway, it consumes about 10-15% more energy than the Model 3. If you do exclusively motorway miles, the Model 3 is the cheaper car to run.
4. Current Used Market Pricing (Jan 2026)
-
Model 3:
- Standard Range (2020/21): Starting from £15,500
- Long Range (2021/22): Starting from £19,000
- Highland Facelift (2024): Starting from £32,000
-
Model Y:
- RWD (2022): Starting from £21,500
- Long Range (2022): Starting from £25,000
Analysis: The gap has narrowed. The Model Y is now only a ~£5k premium over the Model 3.
5. Which One Should You Buy?
The Case for the Model 3
Buy the Model 3 if you are a commuter, a couple, or a small family. It is more fun to drive, faster, more efficient, and easier to park in tight UK spaces.
- Sweet Spot: A 2021/2022 “Long Range” Model 3 is arguably the best value car in Britain right now at under £20k.
The Case for the Model Y
Buy the Model Y if you have a large dog, kids in bulky car seats (the higher hip point saves your back), or regularly carry items that wouldn’t fit through a saloon boot slot.
- Sweet Spot: A late 2022 or 2023 “RWD” Model Y. It uses the bomb-proof LFP battery (can be charged to 100% daily) and avoids the harsh suspension of the earliest units.
Final Recommendation
If you don’t need the hatchback boot, buy the Model 3. You get more range and better handling for less money.
But if you are replacing a family SUV like a Qashqai or Tiguan, the Model Y is the only one that will feel like a true replacement. Just remember to check the registration date to ensure you aren’t paying the new “Expensive Car” tax!