Eight-year-old Tesla Model 3 reaches 166,000 miles with $5,000 in lifetime maintenance costs

An eight-year-old Tesla Model 3 has reached 166,163 miles with $5,054.83 in lifetime maintenance expenses, offering a look at what it can cost to keep an aging electric car on the road.

Here's what to know

Lorraine of the CallasEV channel (@CallasEV) shared a 2025-2026 ownership update in a YouTube video that detailed expenses for two Teslas purchased new. One was a 2018 Long Range Dual Motor Model 3 and the other was a 2019 Standard Range Plus Model 3.

Coolant ($21.99), an alignment ($199.99), and replacement tires ($814.30) accounted for the 2018 car's $1,036.28 annual maintenance bill. The vehicle covered about 17,000 additional miles between updates.

The replacement tire bill was reduced because the previous tires still had partial warranty coverage.

"One thing that's been pretty consistent throughout our ownership is that tires make up a significant portion of our overall maintenance expenses," the creator said.

For $16 a month, the owner carries Tesla windshield protection, which paid for another replacement with no additional out-of-pocket charge. The older vehicle's original manufacturer warranties no longer apply.

More background

Home charging supplied most of the 2018 Tesla's electricity during the 2025-2026 reporting period. Its app logged 4,715 kilowatt-hours and $591 in tracked charging expenses.

For the 2019 Model 3, the app recorded 1,366 kilowatt-hours at an estimated cost of $173. That car has 78,149 miles on its odometer, roughly 6,200 more than at the previous update.

Lorraine charges at home in Arizona through Salt River Project, citing its relatively affordable electricity rates.

The newer car required no service visits during the reporting period. Maintenance totaled $833.66, bringing its lifetime maintenance expenses to $1,970.35.

No registration renewal was necessary during the 2025-2026 reporting period because the car's registration was still valid. Insurance costs about $200 per month.

Reaching 100,000 miles would end the newer car's battery and drive unit limited warranty early. Otherwise, the creator said, coverage runs through 2027.

What can be done?

The next maintenance due dates can be calculated in Tesla's app after an owner manually records completed work. Lorraine also pointed to the recommended maintenance items shown when scheduling service.

For the 2019 car, upkeep included tire rotations, two Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires costing $743.66, two $25 windshield wipers, and two $20 cabin air filters purchased through Tesla's online shop.

A component needing attention or replacement can prompt an app alert. The low-voltage battery is one example the creator gave.

Store-bought G48 coolant was used to top off the 2018 car after a low coolant alert appeared in service mode.

One commenter on the video described how those operating expenses shaped their household's decision.

"My wife has a long commute," they wrote. "We calculated that just the lower maintenance and electricity costs compared to a gas car would pay for her car in five years."

Where can I learn more?

Other Tesla owners' maintenance bills put this high-mileage Model 3's costs in perspective. 

• A Tesla Model 3 owner detailed repairs and charging costs after reaching 250,000 miles.

• In the U.K., Tesla Model Y upkeep mostly involved wipers and windshield washer fluid over nearly two years.

• A $13,000 Tesla Model S with 140,000 miles still delivered 221 miles of range.

• A used Tesla Model Y owner fears a $16,000 battery replacement bill after repeated failures.

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