The “lowest price ever” claim referred to a specific U.S. price reported on October 6, 2023—not a current Tesla offer. BGR said Tesla had cut the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive from $40,240 to $38,990, a $1,250 reduction, and described $38,990 as the model’s lowest price to that point. Tesla’s current U.S. page displays a lower base price of $38,630, but that posted figure alone does not establish an all-time record.
What did the 2023 “lowest price ever” headline mean?
BGR’s October 6, 2023 article was about the U.S. Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive. It reported that the starting price had fallen by $1,250, from $40,240 to $38,990, and called $38,990 “the lowest price that the Model 3 has been — ever.” That is BGR’s characterization at the time, not a verified all-market, all-trim historical price record. The article also listed the Long Range at $45,990 and Performance at $50,990. BGR’s October 2023 article provides the original context.
What does a Model 3 cost on Tesla’s U.S. page now?
As displayed on Tesla’s U.S. Model 3 page accessed October 8, 2026, the base Model 3 is $38,630, Premium is $44,130, and Performance is $56,630. Tesla says these prices include destination and order fees, exclude taxes and other fees, and are subject to change. They are current page listings, not a complete historical price series, so they do not prove an all-time low. Check Tesla’s current Model 3 page for the price and configuration available when you order.
| U.S. listing | Displayed starting price | Displayed range or performance figure |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | $38,630 | 321 miles EPA-estimated range |
| Model 3 Premium | $44,130 | 346 miles EPA-estimated range |
| Model 3 Performance | $56,630 | 528 hp; 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds |
Prices and specifications are Tesla’s displayed U.S. figures accessed October 8, 2026. Equipment, configuration, market, and later price changes can affect what a buyer sees. The range and acceleration figures are Tesla’s claims for the displayed configurations, not a promise of a particular driver’s real-world results.
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Does the 2023 $7,500 tax credit still apply?
No one should treat the $7,500 federal credit in the 2023 article as a current discount. BGR said eligible buyers could reduce the then-listed $38,990 price to an effective $31,490. Tesla’s current incentives guidance says the Inflation Reduction Act ended as of September 30, 2025, and directs buyers to the IRS for current federal incentive details. Eligibility and any local incentives depend on current rules and the buyer’s circumstances; do not subtract a credit from your budget unless official guidance confirms that you qualify. Tesla incentives guidance.
How to compare the price with the cost of owning the car
A starting price is only one part of the amount a buyer needs to finance or pay. Before comparing a Model 3 with another car—or deciding whether an advertised price fits your budget—check the actual order total and account for:
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- Taxes and fees excluded from Tesla’s displayed starting prices.
- Financing terms and total interest, rather than only a monthly payment.
- Any trade-in value, which changes the amount you need to fund but not the vehicle’s listed price.
- Charging equipment and installation, if needed. Tesla’s Australian order page, for example, says charging equipment is not included and lists optional Mobile Charger and Home Charger prices of A$600 and A$800 in that displayed Australian configuration. These prices are not U.S. prices; verify connector compatibility, availability, and cost for your own region and model year. Tesla Australia’s Model 3 configuration page.
- Insurance, electricity, and other recurring ownership costs relevant to your location and driving.
For context, Tesla announced a U.S. Model 3 Standard launch price of $36,990 in its Q3 2025 update and said that version had more than 300 miles of range. That is historical launch information, not a guarantee of a current configuration or price. Tesla’s Q3 2025 update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the headline does—and does not—tell you
The headline is useful as a dated record of what BGR reported in October 2023. It is not a reliable basis for assuming today’s Model 3 is currently being sold at its all-time-low price, or that a 2023 tax credit remains available. Tesla’s February 19, 2026 article about the Edmunds Top Rated Electric Car award quotes Edmunds SVP Alistair Weaver praising the Model 3’s driving, range, technology, cabin, and accessible price point; that award coverage is product commentary, not evidence of a historical price record. Tesla’s award article.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
