Imagine buying a second-hand car and wondering how deep your pockets need to be for its maintenance. Well, one brave soul, let's call him Tim, did just that with a Tesla Model 3. But here's the twist: he bought it with 57,000 miles already on the clock and aimed to push it to 100,000 miles.
On the YouTube channel Chargeheads, Tim introduced the world to 'Rustee', his trusty Tesla with a mileage that would make most car owners sweat. But would this high-mileage Tesla drain his bank account?
Surprisingly, the journey to 100,000 miles wasn't as expensive as one might think. Despite some minor adjustments like lowered suspension, the car didn't demand a fortune in repairs. And when it failed a safety inspection, Tesla came to the rescue with a $870 repair bill, a bargain compared to third-party EV specialists.
The tire replacements set him back $290, but overall, the Tesla proved its resilience. It's a stark contrast to the common belief that high-mileage cars are money pits.
And let's not forget the battery, the heart of any EV. With 88% capacity remaining, it still offered an impressive range of 283 miles at full charge and 220 miles at 80%.
But here's where it gets controversial: is it really cost-effective to drive a Tesla to such high mileage? Some might argue that the initial cost of a Tesla is already a significant investment. And this is the part most people miss: the true cost of ownership isn't just about the purchase price. It's the ongoing expenses that can make or break your budget.
So, what's your take? Is Tim's experience a testament to the durability of high-mileage EVs, or is it an exception to the rule? Share your thoughts in the comments, especially if you've had similar experiences with EVs or high-mileage cars.
