Used 2021 Tesla Model 3 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 cost?

Prices are up 2.51% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 1,966 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Tesla Model 3 earns a 4.61/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction. Owners consistently praise its impressive performance, outstanding range, and innovative technology, and they also highlight the smooth ride and advanced safety features. For you, that makes it a compelling choice if you want a compact electric sedan with a tech-focused driving experience and minimal maintenance costs. With 29.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.61/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also emphasizes minimal maintenance costs, along with a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience that many buyers value in the long run. That kind of reputation matters if you want an EV you can count on without the usual upkeep of a gas-powered car. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific car has been cared for well and checked thoroughly before you commit.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Tesla Model 3?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a history report so you can confirm the car’s background and spot any prior damage or title issues. After that, prioritize a careful inspection of the battery-related systems, charging behavior, and overall condition, since those are especially important on an EV. It also helps to focus on cabin condition and feature operation, because the Model 3’s tech-heavy ownership experience makes everything from screens to software behavior worth checking closely.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Tesla Model 3?

Act selectively, because this market still favors sellers even though there are some attractive listings if you move quickly.

• Deal availability: 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,966 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.51% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 77.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,079, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Tesla Model 3's resale value?

The current average of $23,274 sits slightly above last year's $22,704.

That upward move suggests the market has remained supportive of this model year, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. A price trend like this usually means buyers still see value in the car’s mix of performance, range, and technology. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you may be better positioned when it comes time to trade or sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.61/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2021 Tesla Model 3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.51% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.61/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of owner satisfaction, current market support, and a tech-forward EV experience, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If your priority is stretching your budget, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but you should expect to trade off some of the 2021’s stronger market signals and owner appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.