Tesla Model 3 Hits 370,000 Miles; Owner Replaces Battery with Third-Party Unit for Just $5,000

A Tesla Model 3 owner shared on TikTok that his vehicle has surpassed 371,000 miles. The car’s battery was replaced at the 321,000-mile mark with a new unit purchased from Donut Auto Parts, a third-party supplier in Rancho Cordova, California, for $5,000. Installation took approximately four days. Aside from the battery, the original motor remains intact, and while some other components have been replaced, the full list hasn’t been disclosed. The owner previously questioned Tesla Service Center’s diagnosis after encountering an error with the vehicle’s automatic parking brake function. After replacing the tires, he confirmed the issue was indeed tire-related and subsequently apologized to Tesla. He described the Model 3’s interior as “cheap-feeling” but praised its acceleration performance and Autopilot/AutoSteer features. Tesla’s official battery replacement costs typically range from $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the model and battery capacity. By opting for a third-party solution, this owner significantly reduced his replacement expenses. Common Model 3 repair items include upper control arms (around $2,700), 12-volt batteries, faulty door handles, worn charging port motors, and suspension issues such as damaged ball joints or loose trim panels.