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What defects and weak points should you look out for when buying a used Model 3?

Apart from the usual used-car traces (such as kerb scratches on the wheels), owners mainly list three classics: rather thin and vulnerable paint (especially on older model years), moisture or condensation in the headlights or tail lights, and prematurely worn control arms on the front axle, noticeable by creaking. For cars built before 2023, it is also recommended to check whether you can live with the missing mechanical emergency release for the rear doors.

Apart from the usual used-car traces (such as kerb scratches on the wheels), owners mainly list three classics: rather thin and vulnerable paint (especially on older model years), moisture or condensation in the headlights or tail lights, and prematurely worn control arms on the front axle, noticeable by creaking. For cars built before 2023, it is also recommended to check whether you can live with the missing mechanical emergency release for the rear doors.

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