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Dealer visit checklist

2021 Tesla Model 3 checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

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 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems to check

  • Panel gaps and paint imperfections from factory — inspect carefully at purchase
  • Phantom braking events reported by some owners, partially addressed via software updates
  • 12V battery failures, especially on higher-mileage units — a known weak point Tesla has since redesigned
  • Suspension component wear (ball joints, control arms) appearing earlier than expected on some units
  • Touchscreen and UI glitches requiring soft reboots, though rarely indicative of serious hardware failure

Ask: have these recalls been fixed?

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
  • AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN: Tesla, Inc.
  • SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Tesla, Inc.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: Tesla, Inc.
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Tesla, Inc.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc.

Negotiate the price

  • Know the typical price: about $31,000 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
Out-the-door price calculator →2021 Tesla Model 3 cost guide →2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls →Check a specific listing's price →