Dealer visit checklist
2018 Tesla Model 3 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 5.4x more owner complaints than other 2018 cars
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems to check
- Fit and finish inconsistencies including panel gaps, misaligned trunk lids, and uneven paint — particularly prevalent on early 2018 builds
- Mobile connector or onboard charger faults causing intermittent charging failures, sometimes requiring a $500-$1,500 repair
- Rear suspension bushing wear reported around 60,000-80,000 miles, with replacement costs around $400-$700
- Touchscreen MCU (Media Control Unit) eMMC chip failure causing screen lag or blank screens — Tesla extended warranty coverage on this but verify repair history
- Premature tire wear due to the heavy battery pack and instant torque, often requiring replacement every 20,000-25,000 miles (~$600-$900 per set)
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- SEAT BELTS: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK: Tesla, Inc.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Tesla, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $25,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away