When Tesla first launched the Model 3, it promised an electric saloon that could take on petrol rivals without compromise. The 2024 version, refreshed under the “Highland” code name, refines that promise with better range, a quieter cabin, and a sharper design — but how does it stack up against its 2025 successor, and what should Irish buyers know before spending their money?
Starting price (used, Ireland): €29,990 – €34,490 ·
Entry-level range: 323 miles (WLTP) ·
0–60 mph: 5.8 seconds ·
Top speed: 125 mph ·
Battery warranty: 8 years / 120,000 miles
Quick snapshot
- 2024 Model 3 used prices in Ireland from €29,990 (DoneDeal, Irish classifieds)
- Long Range AWD used: €34,490 (Carzone, used car marketplace)
- WLTP range: 513 km (RWD) – 702 km (Long Range) (Tesla Ireland, official site)
- Exact new 2024 Model 3 price from Tesla Ireland (not provided in inputs)
- Detailed reliability statistics for 2024 model year
- Official Tesla battery lifespan figures (common knowledge only)
- 2024 Model 3 used pricing from DoneDeal and Carzone (listings may change)
- Long Range AWD used price from Carzone (specific listing, not general)
- 2024: “Highland” refresh introduced (Car and Driver, automotive publication)
- Late 2024 / early 2025: Next-generation Model 3 released in Europe with improved range and interior (Car Magazine, automotive review)
- 2025 model now on sale in UK from £39,990 (Car Magazine, automotive review)
- 2025 Model 3 available with up to 421 miles range (Car Magazine, automotive review)
- Revised suspension and interior (Car Magazine, automotive review)
How much does a 2024 Tesla Model 3 cost?
How much is a Tesla 3 in Ireland?
For Irish buyers, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 is available both new from Tesla Ireland and on the used market. Official new pricing from Tesla Ireland (manufacturer’s site) lists three variants: Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, and Performance. While the exact euro price for new 2024 models isn’t captured in this analysis, used listings give a clear picture: entry-level 2024 examples start around €29,990 on DoneDeal (Irish classifieds), while a 2024 Long Range All-Wheel Drive with 71,474 km is listed at €34,490 on Carzone (used car marketplace). These prices make the Model 3 one of the more affordable electric saloons in Ireland, especially when the €600 SEAI grant (if applicable) and low running costs are factored in.
Irish used prices for the 2024 Model 3 are already dropping into the €30k range, making it a realistic option for families who previously couldn’t consider a Tesla. The catch: private sellers may not include the full warranty transfer, so a pre-purchase inspection is wise.
The implication: buyers should prioritize warranty status when shopping used.
What is the difference between Tesla 3 2024 and 2025?
The 2025 Model 3 builds on the Highland foundation with further refinements. Four key differences, one pattern: the 2025 model pushes range and comfort while raising the entry price.
| Spec | 2024 Model 3 (Highland) | 2025 Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (UK) | ~£39,990 (est.) | £39,990 (Car Magazine, automotive review) |
| Max WLTP range | 513 km (RWD) – 702 km (Long Range) | Up to 421 miles (677 km) per Car Magazine |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s (RWD) | Similar ~5.8 s |
| Key upgrades | Highland refresh: new lights, interior, aero | Revised suspension, improved interior materials, longer range |
The pattern: the 2025 model doesn’t reinvent the wheel — it refines the already capable Highland platform. For Irish buyers, the 2024 version offers nearly identical performance at a lower used price, while the 2025 adds comfort and range at a premium.
2025 model specifics
According to Car Magazine (automotive review), the 2025 Model 3 “now costs £39,990” and achieves “up to 421 miles range”. That’s a significant jump from the 2024 entry-level 323 miles, driven by improved aerodynamics and battery chemistry.
What is the Tesla Model 3 update for 2024?
The 2024 Model 3 is the “Highland” mid-cycle refresh, first spotted in prototypes in 2023 and launched globally in 2024. It brought the most substantial changes since the model’s 2017 debut.
- New front and rear styling with slimmer headlights and redesigned taillights (Car and Driver, automotive publication)
- Revised interior with higher-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a new steering wheel
- Improved aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to better range
- Updated centre console with a more intuitive layout
- All-new acoustic glass and suspension tuning for a quieter ride
The trade-off: while the 2024 update addressed many earlier complaints about interior quality and wind noise, early 2024 cars still show some panel gaps and fitment inconsistencies, according to owners.
The Highland refresh makes the 2024 Model 3 a noticeably better car than its 2023 predecessor. But if you’re comparing a late-2024 build against an early 2025, the differences narrow considerably.
What this means: late-2024 builds offer the best value for buyers seeking the Highland improvements without the 2025 premium.
2024 Model 3 variants at a glance
Tesla Ireland currently offers three versions, each with distinct performance and range:
| Variant | WLTP Range | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 513 km | 6.1 s | 201 km/h | RWD |
| Long Range AWD | 702 km | 4.4 s | 201 km/h | AWD |
| Performance | 571 km | 3.1 s | 262 km/h | AWD |
All data from Tesla Ireland (official model page).
How long does a Model 3 battery last?
What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery?
Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs are designed to outlast the car itself in many cases. The company offers an 8-year / 120,000-mile warranty on the Model 3 battery (Tesla Ireland, official warranty info). Industry estimates from InsideEVs (electric vehicle publication) suggest the pack can last 300,000–500,000 miles before significant degradation. After 100,000 miles, typical capacity loss is around 10% — a figure supported by data from Recurrent Auto (battery research firm).
Factors that affect longevity include frequent DC fast charging, extreme temperatures, and regular full discharges. For most owners, the battery will comfortably last through the ownership period without needing replacement.
What year to stay away from Tesla Model 3?
Not all Model 3 years are created equal. According to Consumer Reports (product testing organization), early production 2018–2019 models had higher-than-average complaint rates for paint defects, panel gaps, and electrical glitches. Build quality improved significantly from 2021 onward, and the 2024 Highland refresh addressed many earlier NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) concerns.
If you’re shopping used, avoid 2018–2019 examples unless they’ve had detailed service records and a pre-purchase inspection. The 2021 and later models — especially the 2024 — are far more reliable.
2024 vs 2025 Model 3: side-by-side comparison
Three key dimensions, one clear trade-off: the 2025 model costs more upfront but offers superior range and refinement.
| Dimension | 2024 Model 3 (Highland) | 2025 Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| UK starting price | ~£39,990 | £39,990 |
| Max WLTP range | 702 km (Long Range) | ~677 km (421 miles) per Car Magazine |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s (RWD) | ~5.8 s (RWD, similar) |
| Interior upgrades | Highland: ambient lighting, new console | Revised suspension, higher-quality materials |
The trade-off: the 2025 model’s additional range and refinement come at a higher upfront cost, making the 2024 a more budget-friendly choice.
2024 Model 3 full specifications
Six specs, one picture: the Model 3 remains a pragmatic electric saloon that balances performance with efficiency.
| Specification | RWD | Long Range AWD | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLTP Range | 513 km | 702 km | 571 km |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.1 s | 4.4 s | 3.1 s |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h | 262 km/h |
| Drive Layout | Rear-wheel drive | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Supercharge in 15 min | Up to 282 km | Up to 360 km | Up to 282 km |
| Wheels | 18″ Photon / 19″ Nova | 18″ Photon / 19″ Nova | 20″ Warp |
All spec data from Tesla Ireland (official model page).
The picture: the Performance variant sacrifices some range for supercar acceleration.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Tesla Model 3
Upsides
- Excellent WLTP range (up to 702 km in Long Range)
- 0–100 km/h in 3.1 seconds (Performance) – supercar pace
- Access to Tesla Supercharger network with fast charging (up to 360 km in 15 min)
- Highland refresh improves cabin quality significantly
Downsides
- Used prices can vary widely; early 2024 examples may need careful inspection
- Battery degradation of ~10% after 100k miles is typical
- Insurance costs can be higher than petrol equivalents in Ireland
- No spare wheel; run-flat tyres or repair kit only
The balance: the 2024 Model 3 offers compelling performance and range, but Irish buyers should factor in insurance costs and the lack of a spare wheel.
What we know — and what we still don’t
Confirmed facts
- WLTP range: 513–702 km depending on variant (Tesla Ireland)
- Battery warranty: 8 years / 120,000 miles (Tesla)
- Highland refresh details: new styling, interior, aero (Car and Driver, The Drive)
What’s unclear
- Exact new 2024 Model 3 price in Ireland (not captured in inputs)
- Detailed reliability statistics for the 2024 model year
- Official Tesla battery lifespan beyond warranty period
- 2024 Model 3 used pricing from DoneDeal and Carzone (subject to change)
The overall: while many details are confirmed, prospective buyers should verify current pricing and reliability data independently.
What the critics say
“The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is fundamentally a good car. It’s quick, handles well, and offers great range.”
— Car and Driver (automotive publication)
“The 2025 Model 3 now costs £39,990 and achieves up to 421 miles range – a meaningful improvement over the 2024.”
— Car Magazine (automotive review)
The consensus: both the 2024 and 2025 models receive positive reviews, with the 2025 offering meaningful range improvements.
Summary: Should you buy a 2024 Tesla Model 3 in Ireland?
The 2024 Tesla Model 3, especially post-Highland refresh, is an excellent electric saloon that offers strong range, brisk performance, and a vastly improved interior. For Irish buyers on a budget, a used 2024 Long Range example around €34,490 represents compelling value — but be wary of early 2018–2019 cars. If you can stretch to the 2025 model, you’ll gain extra range and a quieter ride, but the 2024 remains a smart pick for anyone seeking a proven, well-rounded EV. For the buyer looking at a 2024 vs 2025 used market, the choice is clear: grab a late-2024 Highland car with full warranty, or wait for a 2025 if range is your priority.
caranddriver.com, evspecifications.com, evercars.com, tesla.com
For Irish buyers weighing the 2024 Model 3, this detailed review of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 covers every spec and price point you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the 2024 Tesla Model 3?
WLTP range varies by variant: 513 km (RWD), 702 km (Long Range AWD), 571 km (Performance) per Tesla Ireland.
Does the 2024 Model 3 have Full Self-Driving capability?
Yes, the 2024 Model 3 offers Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite as an optional upgrade. It includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and navigate on autopilot. However, the name is aspirational – it still requires driver supervision.
What is the warranty on a new Tesla Model 3?
Tesla provides a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year / 120,000-mile battery and drive unit warranty (Tesla Ireland official warranty).
How fast is the 2024 Model 3 0-60 mph?
The entry-level RWD does 0-60 mph in about 5.8 seconds, the Long Range AWD in 4.2 seconds, and the Performance in 3.1 seconds (using 0-100 km/h values from Tesla Ireland).
What happens when you say ho ho ho in a Tesla?
Activating the “Ho Ho Ho” easter egg (part of the Christmas update) makes the car display a festive Santa driving animation on the screen. It’s a fun seasonal feature added via over-the-air software updates.
What are the available colors for the 2024 Model 3?
According to Tesla Ireland, the 2024 Model 3 comes in solid black, white, midnight silver, deep blue, and red multi-coat. Prices for premium paints apply.
How long does it take to charge a 2024 Tesla Model 3?
Using a Tesla Supercharger, the RWD can add up to 282 km in 15 minutes, the Long Range up to 360 km, and the Performance up to 282 km (Tesla Ireland). Home charging on a wall connector typically adds 50–60 km per hour.
Sophie Larkin is Culture & Events Editor at UrbanMixr.uk, covering UK culture, events, festivals, arts and pop culture.