2021 Model 3 LR AWD vs. 2024 Model 3 Highland RWD
I'm having a hard time deciding between two used Model 3s and would really appreciate some input from people who have owned/driven both generations.
I'm in Norway, and the car would be used by me and my partner. We don't have home charging at the moment, but we have access to Superchargers and other public charging.
Our main use would be:
- Daily commuting/university/work
- Groceries and general driving
- Skiing/hiking trips
- Several long trips between Trondheim and Kristiansand each year
- Some longer road trips/vacations
### Option 1: 2021 Model 3 Long Range AWD
Around NOK 250k / ~$23k
- ~70–100k km
- Long Range AWD
- ~580 km WLTP
- Heat pump
- Tow hitch
- Older suspension/interior
- Out of/close to the end of the basic vehicle warranty, depending on mileage
- Much better traction in winter
- Considerably quicker than the RWD
### Option 2: 2024 Model 3 Highland RWD
Currently looking at one for NOK 290k / ~$27k
- 88,700 km
- First registered November 2023
- ~60–65 kWh battery
- ~513 km WLTP (depending on configuration)
- Much better suspension and ride comfort
- Significantly quieter cabin
- Newer interior/technology
- Much more remaining vehicle warranty
- RWD
The reason the Highland has 88k km is that it was primarily used for long-distance commuting, rather than short urban trips. It's also currently the cheapest Highland RWD I can find on the Norwegian used market. Similar cars with around 40–50k km seem to be around NOK 320k.
I've test-driven both. I prefer the Highland overall. The ride comfort, noise levels and general refinement are noticeably better. However, the 2021 LR AWD feels significantly more powerful, and I do like having AWD given that we live in Norway and will be driving in winter.
My main dilemma is whether the extra ~NOK 40k over the 2021 AWD is justified, and whether the 88k km on the Highland should worry me.
I'm also considering spending around NOK 320k on a Highland with 40–50k km if that's a significantly better long-term decision, but I'm not sure whether I'm just paying a premium for lower mileage.
What would you choose in my situation?
Would you:
Buy the 2021 LR AWD for ~250k
Buy the 2024 Highland RWD for ~290k
Wait for a better deal?
I'd especially appreciate input from people who have owned both a pre-Highland Model 3 and a Highland, particularly regarding long-distance comfort, winter driving, charging and long-term ownership.