Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD (Highland)

1. Vehicle Identity

This is a Tesla Model 3 Highland (2024 facelift/refresh), the rear-wheel drive "Premium" variant. Identifiable by the redesigned slim headlights, reshaped bumper, updated rear light bar, and 18" Photon wheels — all exclusive to the Highland refresh. Single rear motor, 208 kW / 278 bhp, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. Manufactured at Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory. Being sold as Tesla Certified Pre-Owned — a manufacturer-backed sale through Tesla Singapore.

2. Model-Specific Known Issues

Panel Gaps and Build Quality

• Tesla is documented for inconsistent panel alignment. The Highland improved this significantly but inconsistencies still occur. Check in person.
• Severity: Cosmetic. Adjustment usually covered under warranty.

Suspension Noise — Lower Control Arm

• Some owners report clunking from front suspension over bumps. Traced to lower control arm ball joints.
• Cost: S$400–$800 per side at Tesla Service. Sometimes covered under warranty.

Wind Noise / Door Seal Issues

• Some Highland units report excessive wind noise at expressway speeds despite double-laminated glass.
• Severity: Comfort issue. Usually addressed under warranty.

12V Battery Failure

• The 12V auxiliary battery powers accessory systems. When it fails, the car can become inoperable. The Highland uses lithium 12V (more reliable than older lead-acid).
• Cost: S$200–$500 at Tesla.

Phantom Braking

• Vision-based Autopilot can apply brakes unexpectedly on highways. Software issue addressed through OTA updates but not fully resolved.
• Severity: Safety-adjacent when using Autopilot.

Battery Degradation — LFP Notes

• LFP batteries are more durable and tolerate 100% charging. Degradation typically less than 5% in first 50,000 km. At 27,000 km, should be negligible. Verify current range reading at 100% charge.

No widely reported issues with drive motor, charging system, or main battery pack on the Highland at this low mileage.

3. Listing Photo Analysis

What I can observe:

• Deep Blue Metallic paint looks rich and consistent. "CERTIFIED TESLA.COM" plate confirms CPO status. Front and rear undamaged. 18" Photon wheels clean with no visible kerb damage. Interior in excellent condition — virtually no wear on seats or steering wheel. Touchscreen shows odometer of 27,447 km matching listing. Battery at 43%. "Try Autosteer (Beta)" prompt confirms Autopilot functionality.

What looks suspicious:

• Nothing overtly suspicious. Clean presentation consistent with a manufacturer-backed CPO sale. Only question: why is a 2024 car with 27,000 km being sold after less than 2 years?

What's missing:

• No rear seat photo, no boot/frunk photo, no underbody photo (critical for EVs — battery pack underneath), no charging port close-up, no battery health/degradation reading at 100%.

4. Mileage & Ownership Assessment

14,900 km/year is within normal range. 27,000 km on a 2024 Highland is barely broken in. LFP battery should be at or very near original capacity. All components well within useful life. 1 owner, Tesla CPO adds manufacturer assurance. The EV maintenance advantage is significant — no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no timing chain. Budget S$500–$1,000/yr for maintenance versus S$3,000–$5,000 for a Continental.

5. Questions to Ask the Dealer

1. "What is the current battery health? At 100% charge, what range does the screen show?" — Should be close to 510–550 km WLTP.
2. "What does Tesla CPO certification cover? Warranty duration and exclusions?"
3. "Has the car been in any accidents? Can I see Tesla service history in the app?"
4. "Why is the car being sold after less than 2 years?" — Understanding context.
5. "Has the car received all OTA software updates?"
6. "Is Full Self-Driving or Enhanced Autopilot included, or just basic Autopilot?" — Affects value by S$10,000–$15,000.
7. "Is the home charger included? What type?"
8. "Has the underbody/battery pack been inspected for scraping damage?"

6. Pre-Visit Verdict

🟢 GREEN — Worth visiting. Strong listing with favourable risk characteristics.

Tesla Certified Pre-Owned with manufacturer-backed warranty. Very low mileage on a recent model — negligible battery degradation expected. 1 owner. EV maintenance costs dramatically lower than any ICE equivalent. 8 years of COE remaining provides long runway. The listing is transparent with screen photo confirming odometer. Verify battery health, panel gaps, underbody condition, and Autopilot package level during viewing. The Tesla CPO backing and low mileage make this one of the lower-risk used car purchases available.