The 2018 Model 3 Long Range was the car that really put Tesla’s compact sedan on the map. Fast-forward to 2025 and it’s now a compelling used EV: strong range, proven software, and access to Tesla’s charging network at a price many shoppers can finally reach. But after seven years on the road, you need to understand battery health, real-world range, and reliability before you sign anything.
Quick Take
A clean, well-documented 2018 Model 3 Long Range is still one of the most capable used EVs you can buy. The key questions today are battery condition, software history, and whether the price reflects its age and mileage.
2018 Model 3 Long Range at a Glance
2018 Model 3 Long Range: Core Numbers
In 2018, the Long Range Model 3 slotted above the Standard Range car with a bigger battery and more generous equipment. Most early cars were rear‑wheel drive, with all‑wheel drive versions arriving later in 2018. No matter which you’re looking at, you’re getting an efficient sedan with ~300 miles of realistic highway range when new, over‑the‑air software updates, and one of the most mature fast‑charging ecosystems on the market.
RWD vs. AWD 2018 Model 3 Long Range
Two personalities built on the same Long Range battery pack
Long Range RWD (most common early 2018)
- Layout: Single rear motor, rear‑wheel drive
- Power: Around 283 hp
- 0–60 mph: About 5.1 seconds
- EPA range: ~310 miles when new
- Feel: Lighter nose, very efficient, relaxed but quick
Long Range AWD (late 2018 onward)
- Layout: Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive
- Power: ~350 hp
- 0–60 mph: About 4.5 seconds
- EPA range: ~310 miles when new
- Feel: Strong traction, quicker launches, slightly lower efficiency
Check the Exact Variant
Tesla’s naming changed over the years. On the listing or screen, look for "Long Range" and confirm whether it’s RWD or Dual Motor (AWD), since performance, traction, and even insurance costs differ.
Key Specs, Range and Performance
2018 Model 3 Long Range: Key Specs vs Standard Range
Where the 2018 Long Range stands out compared to the early Standard Range Model 3.
| Spec | 2018 Model 3 Long Range | 2018 Model 3 Standard/Standard Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity (total) | ~75 kWh | ~50–54 kWh |
| EPA range (18" wheels) | ~310 miles | 220–240 miles |
| 0–60 mph (RWD) | ≈ 5.1 sec | ≈ 5.6 sec |
| Drive layout | RWD or AWD | RWD only |
| Top speed | 140–145 mph | 130 mph |
| Home AC charging | Up to 44 mi/hr on 48A | ≈ 30 mi/hr on 32A |
Figures are approximate U.S. EPA ratings and manufacturer data.
In day‑to‑day driving, a healthy 2018 Model 3 Long Range still delivers 240–280 miles of real‑world highway range for most owners, depending on wheel size, climate, and how the car has been driven and charged. Around town, where regenerative braking shines, you can often stretch a bit further.
Typical Commuter Use
- Daily driving under 80 miles is easy, even with noticeable degradation.
- Many owners charge to 70–80% each night and rarely see 0% or 100%.
- Cold weather will still trim range, but the Long Range buffer helps.
Road‑Trip Use
- Plan on 150–200 mile hops between Superchargers for comfort.
- Charging from ~10–60% is fastest; you rarely need to go to 100%.
- The car routes you through chargers and preconditions the battery for quicker fast‑charging on the way in.
Don’t Assume New‑Car Range
The 310‑mile EPA figure was for a brand‑new 2018 Long Range under test conditions. A seven‑year‑old car won’t match that on a cold, fast interstate run. Always base your expectations on current battery health and your climate.
Battery Health and Degradation in 2025
Battery condition is the single most important factor when you’re evaluating a 2018 Model 3 Long Range. The good news: Tesla’s Long Range packs have generally aged well, and many independent reports show modest degradation compared with early EVs. The caution: individual cars can still vary a lot based on charging habits, mileage, and climate.
- Most 2018 Long Range packs show roughly 8–15% capacity loss by year seven, assuming average mileage and mixed charging habits.
- Cars that lived on DC fast charging or in very hot climates can show accelerated degradation.
- Tesla’s 8‑year / 120,000‑mile battery warranty (for Long Range packs of this era) is still active on some 2018 cars, depending on in‑service date and miles.
How Tesla Measures Battery Health
Tesla doesn’t give you a simple "state‑of‑health" percentage on screen. Instead, you infer it from the projected range at 100% charge. A 2018 Long Range that now shows 270 miles at 100% has lost about 13% compared with its original 310‑mile rating.
Battery Health Checks You Can Do in Minutes
1. View projected range at 90–100%
Ask the seller to show the car at a high state of charge. Note the estimated miles at 90 or 100%. Compare that to 310 miles to get a rough sense of degradation.
2. Check battery warranty status
In the Tesla app or on screen, verify remaining battery warranty time and miles. A 2018 car may still have coverage if it went into service later in the year and has average mileage.
3. Scan charging history
If the seller will share, look at their charging behavior: mostly home Level 2 at lower SOC is kinder to the pack than constant Supercharging to 100%.
4. Look for range‑limiting warnings
During a test drive, pay attention to any alerts about reduced power, charging faults, or limited DC fast charging, these can hint at underlying battery or high‑voltage issues.
Where Recharged Adds Confidence
Every EV sold through Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health. Instead of guessing from a single range estimate, you see data‑driven insights into usable capacity, charging behavior, and whether the pack is performing as expected for its age.
Charging: Home, Public and Road Trips
One of the biggest advantages of a 2018 Model 3 Long Range is how easy it is to live with day‑to‑day. With the right home setup, you plug in at night and wake up to a full "tank". On the road, you tap into Tesla’s dense Supercharger network plus an expanding universe of CCS and destination chargers via adapters.
Three Main Ways You’ll Charge a 2018 Model 3 Long Range
Each has its place in your daily routine.
Level 1: Standard 120V Outlet
- ~3–4 miles of range per hour.
- Works in a pinch or for very short commutes.
- Too slow for heavy daily driving.
Level 2: 240V Home / Destination
- Up to ~44 miles of range per hour on a 48A circuit.
- Ideal for overnight charging if you own or can install a 240V outlet or wall connector.
- Also what most "destination" chargers (hotels, workplaces) provide.
DC Fast: Tesla Supercharger + CCS
- Supercharging up to 250 kW on capable V3 stations.
- Great for road trips; 10–80% often in ~20–30 minutes.
- Use occasionally; daily DC fast charging is harder on the battery than Level 2.
Plan Around Fast Charging Sweet Spots
The 2018 Model 3 Long Range charges fastest between roughly 10% and 60–70% state of charge. On road trips, it’s often quicker overall to make more frequent, shorter stops in that window than to sit at 90–100% on a single long stop.
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Reliability and Common Issues to Watch
Overall, the 2018 Model 3 Long Range has proven to be a solid platform. The powertrain and battery are generally robust, but, as with any first‑wave model year, there are patterns of minor issues you’ll want to check. Many 2018 cars have already had these addressed under warranty; your job is to verify what’s been done and what still needs attention.
- Early build quality niggles: wind noise from frameless windows, trim alignment, rattles in the rear deck or dashboard.
- MCU/screen quirks: occasional reboots or yellowing edges on early screens, often fixed under warranty.
- Door handles and window calibration: misaligned glass causing excessive wind noise or occasional leaks.
- Suspension wear items: control arm bushings and links can develop clunks over rough pavement around the 60k–100k‑mile mark.
- Charge port door and locking pin issues: failing to latch or release the connector cleanly.
Beware of Hidden Accident Damage
Because the Model 3 uses a large structural battery pack, even minor‑looking underbody impacts can be serious. On any used 2018 Long Range, get a thorough inspection of the underbody and battery shield for past damage and non‑factory repairs.
Early Model 3s proved that a well‑engineered EV can rack up serious miles with little more than tires and routine checks, as long as buyers don’t skip the pre‑purchase inspection.
What a 2018 Model 3 Long Range Costs in 2025
Used‑car prices in general remain elevated in 2025, and the 2018 Model 3 Long Range is no exception. That said, it’s now firmly in the realm where many buyers shopping for a new compact gas sedan can cross‑shop a well‑equipped used Tesla instead.
Typical Price Bands for 2018 Model 3 Long Range (U.S., Late 2025)
Illustrative ranges based on recent listings; exact pricing will vary by market, condition and equipment.
| Mileage & Condition | Typical Asking Range | What You Usually Get |
|---|---|---|
| 50k–70k miles, clean history | ≈ $22,000–$26,000 | Well‑kept RWD or AWD, mostly stock, some battery warranty left on later‑in‑service cars. |
| 70k–100k miles, average wear | ≈ $19,000–$23,000 | Higher‑mileage daily drivers; service records matter more than options. |
| 100k+ miles or cosmetic/accident history | ≈ $16,000–$20,000 | Attractive prices, but you need very strong documentation and a solid battery health report. |
These are broad guideposts, not quotes. Always compare multiple local listings and condition reports.
Factor Total Cost of Ownership, Not Just Sticker
Even if a 2018 Model 3 Long Range is a bit pricier than an equivalent gas sedan up front, you’re often trading fuel, maintenance and potential repair savings over several years. A good EV‑specific condition report helps you avoid cars that erase those savings with big repair bills.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
When you’re paying mid‑20s for a seven‑year‑old premium EV, you can’t afford to skip the details. Use this checklist as a starting point, whether you’re shopping locally or buying online and having the car delivered.
Essential Checks for a 2018 Model 3 Long Range
1. Verify battery and drive‑unit warranty
Confirm in‑service date and mileage against Tesla’s original 8‑year / 120,000‑mile battery and drive‑unit warranty for Long Range models. Coverage status can meaningfully change the car’s value.
2. Pull a battery health report
Don’t rely on guesswork. With Recharged, every vehicle comes with a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> that includes verified battery health. If you’re buying elsewhere, ask for third‑party diagnostics or at least a documented 100%‑charge range reading.
3. Inspect wheels, tires and brakes
Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues. Check for curb rash, low‑tread performance tires, and any brake rotor grooves or corrosion on cars that sat unused.
4. Test all doors, windows and handles
Open and close every door and window multiple times. Listen for wind noise on the highway, watch for glass that doesn’t seal cleanly, and ensure the charge port door operates smoothly.
5. Check software, features and connectivity
Confirm that key features, Autopilot, heated seats, premium connectivity trial, backup camera, Bluetooth, work as expected. Make sure the car is on recent software and that there are no outstanding recalls or service campaigns.
6. Review accident and service history
Obtain a vehicle history report plus service records. Pay special attention to any structural repairs, airbag deployments, or high‑voltage system repairs, and make sure quality shops performed the work.
Remote Purchase? Lean on Data
If you’re buying a 2018 Model 3 Long Range sight‑unseen, an EV‑specific condition report and high‑resolution underbody photos are non‑negotiable. Ask direct questions about battery health and any prior collision or flood damage.
How Recharged Helps You Buy a Used Model 3 with Confidence
Shopping for a 2018 Model 3 Long Range can feel like a coin toss if you’re relying on generic used‑car checklists. That’s why Recharged exists: to make used EV ownership simple and transparent, from first search to delivery in your driveway.
Why Consider a 2018 Model 3 Long Range from Recharged?
Built for EV shoppers, not just car shoppers.
Verified Battery Health
Fair Market Pricing & Financing
Nationwide EV-Savvy Support
Make the Numbers Work for You
If you’re ready to move on a 2018 Model 3 Long Range but want clarity on budget, you can pre‑qualify for financing with Recharged with no impact on your credit. That gives you a real payment estimate before you fall in love with a specific car.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2018 Model 3 Long Range
2018 Model 3 Long Range: Common Questions
Bottom Line: Is the 2018 Model 3 Long Range Right for You?
If you want a used EV that still feels thoroughly modern, the 2018 Model 3 Long Range deserves a spot at the top of your list. Its original 310‑mile rating translates into very usable real‑world range even after several years, and the combination of quick performance, low running costs, and convenient fast charging is hard to beat at current used‑market prices.
Your job as a shopper is to separate the gems from the guesswork. Focus on battery health, warranty status, accident history and documented maintenance, and don’t be afraid to walk away from cars that can’t answer those questions. If you’d rather have that homework done for you, Recharged was built for exactly this moment, pairing verified battery diagnostics, transparent pricing, EV‑savvy support and nationwide delivery so you can buy your Model 3 Long Range with confidence, not crossed fingers.
