# Polestar 3 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Polestar 3 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/polestar-3

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2024
- **Ideal trim**: Long Range Dual Motor
- **Target mileage**: 15,000–25,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £58,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — The Polestar 3 only started deliveries in the UK in 2024, so we have fewer MOT tests and less resale history than established models. This means prices and depreciation are estimates with a wider uncertainty band (±20%). The Polestar 3 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium, high-performance electric SUV with a strong focus on design and safety. It shares its platform and safety DNA with Volvo, so you get that peace of mind. It's got a huge battery for excellent range and rapid charging capabilities, making it great for longer journeys. Plus, it stands out from the crowd with its sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design.

## What you should pay

The Polestar 3 is a very new model, with deliveries only starting in late 2024. This means in February 2026, the oldest models available will be 2024 cars, making them only 1-2 years old. As such, the general 'typical 3-4yr old EV' price anchor of £45,000 doesn't apply here. New, a Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor starts around £75,900. After 1-2 years, premium EVs typically lose 20-30% of their value. We're estimating a 2024 model to be around £58,000-£60,000, reflecting this initial depreciation. Prices will be higher than average used EVs due to its premium positioning and recent market entry.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Long Range Dual Motor' trim is the sweet spot. It comes with 489 horsepower and a large 107kWh battery, giving you excellent performance and a real-world range of around 290-300 miles. It's already very well-equipped as standard, so you get all the premium features without needing to step up to the more expensive Performance Pack, which offers only a marginal power increase for a significant price jump. It's the best balance of value, performance, and range.

## What to check before you buy

- Software glitches (infotainment, app connectivity)
- Early production quality control niggles (panel gaps, trim alignment)
- Rapid tyre wear due to vehicle weight and torque
- Brake caliper seizing if not regularly used (due to regenerative braking)

## Running costs

Running an electric Polestar 3 can be very cost-effective, especially if you charge at home. With a real-world efficiency of about 2.8 mi/kWh, charging on a standard home rate (24.5p/kWh) will cost you around 8.9p/mile, or about £886 per year for 10,000 miles. If you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), this drops significantly to about 3.3p/mile, or just £325 per year for 10,000 miles – a saving of over £560! Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 for the first year and then £195 annually. Insurance will be on the higher side for a premium, high-performance EV, likely in the range of £800-£1,500 per year depending on your personal circumstances and location. Public rapid charging (70-85p/kWh) should be avoided for daily use as it's much more expensive, costing 25-30.4p/mile.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 489-517 hp
- **Mpg**: N/A
- **Reliability Score**: Good, but too new for extensive long-term data
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (expected)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Long Range Dual Motor | £75,900 | £58,000 | 107kWh battery; 489 hp Dual Motor AWD; 379 miles WLTP range |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Plus Pack | £80,000 | £62,000 | All Long Range Dual Motor features; Plus Pack (includes Bowers & Wilkins audio, soft-closing doors, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel); 21-inch alloy wheels |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack | £81,500 | £63,000 | All Long Range Dual Motor with Plus Pack features; Performance Pack (517 hp, Polestar Engineered chassis tuning, 22-inch forged alloy wheels, gold brake calipers); Performance software upgrade |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £58,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £50,460 | 87% |
| 2028 | £43,900 | 75% |
| 2029 | £38,193 | 66% |
| 2030 | £33,228 | 57% |

Given the Polestar 3 is so new, buying a 2024 model in 2026 means you've already let the first owner take the biggest hit of depreciation. While it will continue to lose value, the steepest drop is typically in the first year. The sweet spot for maximum value retention relative to purchase price is likely around the 3-4 year mark, but for a car this new, buying it at 2 years old is already a good move.

Total value lost since new: 56.2%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [BMW iX](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-ix.md)
- Audi Q8 e-tron
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.