Electric vehicles have an advantage over internal combustion engine cars in that they are less complex, with significantly fewer moving parts, but that doesn’t mean they are 100% reliable.

If you’re considering a Tesla for your next car, check out this blog on the most reliable Teslas before you buy. It could save you some serious money.

Most Reliable Tesla

Tesla Model 3 - £23,000 - £25,000

The Tesla Model 3 is the most reliable model, with considerably fewer faults reported than the Model S. The Model 3 was introduced in 2017, and is available in the standard, Long Range or Dual Battery version, offering significantly more range, power or both. 

Aiding its reliability, the Model 3 uses a conventional saloon layout, with 4 normal doors and a hatchback-style boot. This is in contrast to the Model X with its complex gull-wing doors. 

Reliability scores for the Model 3 are high, with motoring reports placing it in the top 10 EVs for reliability. We’d suggest a 2022-onwards model as they feature heat pump cooling and heating for efficiency, and higher equipment as standard. 

A 2022 car with around 60,000 miles on the clock can be bought for around £23,000, with the Long-range or Dual Motor versions fetching up to £25,000. 

Which Tesla lasts the Longest?

Tesla Model S - £14,500+

As most Tesla models have only been around for 5-7 years, it’s difficult to ascertain which is the best long-term. But one thing we can say is that with some maintenance, the Model S is not afraid of high mileage.

One owner in Germany has driven his Model S a whopping 1.2 million miles. We wouldn’t recommend buying one with that sort of mileage on the clock, but a car that has done around 80,000 miles can be bought for around £14,500. 

The examples we found for sale qualified for Tesla’s free lifetime Supercharging, and had Autopilot and Dual Motor configured. Alongside the high-tech interior and stupendous acceleration that doesn’t seem like a bad deal to us.

Which Tesla Has The Longest Range?

Model 3 Long Range - £25,000

If you’re looking for a Tesla with the longest range possible, the Model 3 is again the best choice. Opting for the Long Range version gets you a 78KwH battery, enough for a claimed range of 390 miles. 

That’s a pretty good range figure, with only a few EVs being able to top it. Do bear in mind, though, that second-hand vehicles will have lost some of their battery capacity, and that the claimed range figures are usually in ‘ideal’ circumstances, such as no AC or headlight use.

Are Teslas Reliable in the UK?

Tesla drivetrain components, namely the battery, motors and motor controller system, are all very reliable, with very few major issues being widely reported. 

Some Tesla models have been criticised for their poor build quality, with owners noting issues with interior and bodywork fitment. This is something Tesla dealerships are aware of, and are happy to resolve. 

Are Tesla's Expensive to Fix?

Compared to most cars, Teslas are more expensive to repair. Even when compared to other electric cars, Teslas generally cost more to fix. The reason for this is often the complexity and availability of parts. 

Teslas have many sensors all over the car to facilitate the autopilot and other features. This makes bodywork repairs considerably more expensive than a traditional car.

What is the Highest Mileage Tesla?

A Tesla owner in Germany has driven his Tesla Model S 2,000,000 miles! That is nearly 50 times around the world. This proves the cars can withstand extreme usage, although this owner has had the battery and motor replaced a number of times.

Will a Tesla Last Longer Than a Normal Car?

Whilst some Teslas can do crazy high mileage, there’s no real evidence yet on whether one will last longer or not than a normal vehicle. It is true that the electric motor and battery system is a lot less complex, with significantly fewer moving parts, which should contribute to longevity, so in theory, perhaps they will last longer but no one can definitively confirm whether this is true.

However, a new engine in a diesel or petrol vehicle is likely to cost somewhere between £2,000 and £7,000. A new battery and motor for a Tesla will be much more than this, meaning the point at which the car becomes uneconomical to repair, may actually come sooner with a Tesla.

Have Your Car Repaired With Bumper

If your car, Tesla or otherwise, is in need of repair, but the bill is going to be high, consider using Bumper to get zero-percent interest finance on car repairs. Choose from one of hundreds of approved garages across the UK, and spread out the cost of car repairs.