This is a fantastic question because it highlights a very specific, highly desirable unicorn configuration.
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 SR Plus (Standard Range Plus) LFP is the exact car we just discussed, but with two crucial distinctions:
It is the „SR Plus“ – the highest-range „standard“ model Tesla offered before they streamlined the naming to just „RWD.“
It has the LFP battery, which Tesla only started putting into the SR Plus in late 2021 (specifically in models built in Shanghai for Europe, and later in the US).
Crucially, this car does NOT have AWD/4×4. The SR Plus is strictly RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive). If a dealer is advertising it as „4×4,“ they are mistaken—do not pay an AWD premium for it.
Assuming this is a late-2021, LFP-battery, RWD Model 3 with the purchased FSD (Full Self-Driving) package, here is the outline of its massive benefits, along with the exact trade-offs.
1. The „SR Plus“ & „LFP Battery“ Benefits (The Ultimate Daily Driver)
This is the single greatest strength of this car. The SR Plus with LFP is arguably the lowest-cost-per-mile EV you can buy.
Charge to 100% Every Day (Zero Guilt): Tesla’s official manual for LFP cars explicitly states you must charge to 100% at least once per week to calibrate the battery. This means you get the full EPA-estimated ~263 miles of range every single morning. You never have to stress about the „80% daily limit“ that Long Range owners deal with.
Bulletproof Longevity: LFP batteries are rated for 1,500 to 2,000+ full charge cycles (compared to ~500 for Nickel-based batteries). With 200,000 miles on the odometer, you will likely still have 90-92% of your original battery capacity. This car will outlast the motor.
Safer Chemistry: LFP is highly resistant to thermal runaway (fires). Even if severely punctured or overheated, it is significantly less likely to catch fire than Nickel-based batteries.
Flat Power Curve: Unlike Nickel batteries that lose power as they drain, the LFP maintains consistent acceleration even at 10% state of charge.
2. The „2021 Facelift“ Hardware Benefits (The Big Refresh)
Because this is a 2021 model, you get all the major „Refresh“ upgrades that the 2017-2020 cars lack:
The Heat Pump: This is the single biggest winter upgrade over pre-2021 models. In freezing temperatures (20°F/-6°C), your range loss is only ~10-15%, compared to the ~30% loss on 2019 models. This makes the SR Plus genuinely viable for cold-weather commuters.
Powered Trunk (Power Liftgate): Opens and closes automatically via the key fob, phone app, or the center screen.
Black Chrome Delete: All chrome trim is replaced with a sleek matte black finish (window surrounds, door handles, cameras). It looks sportier and hides dirt better.
New Center Console: The glossy piano-black fingerprint magnet is gone. You get a matte black console with a sliding wireless charging pad that holds two phones securely, plus deeper storage.
Double-Pane Acoustic Glass: The front side windows are laminated, significantly reducing wind noise at highway speeds compared to pre-2021 models.
Heated Steering Wheel: (Software-unlocked on most late-2021 models) – A massive comfort perk for winter driving. Check the climate menu to confirm.
USB-C Ports: Fast-charging USB-C ports in the front and rear (replacing the older USB-A ports).
3. The „FSD“ (Full Self-Driving) Benefits – The Radar Advantage
If this 2021 SR Plus includes the purchased FSD package (verify on the screen under Software > Additional Vehicle Information), you are getting a massive advantage over newer Teslas:
Radar + USS (Ultrasonic Sensors): This 2021 model is one of the last to include a front radar and 12 ultrasonic parking sensors. Unlike the 2023+ „Tesla Vision“ cars (which rely purely on cameras):
Virtually Zero Phantom Braking: Adaptive cruise control is smooth and reliable, even in heavy rain, dense fog, or glaring low sun.
Precise Parking: You get exact distance readings in inches/cm on the screen—a feature completely removed from 2023+ models.
FSD Beta (City Streets) – US Only: If this is a US-spec car, the FSD package gives you full access to the V12 end-to-end AI that handles city streets, stop signs, traffic lights, and complex intersections.
⚠️ EU Limitation: If this is a European car, UN-ECE regulations heavily restrict FSD. You will get highway lane-changing and traffic-light chimes, but you will NOT get city-street FSD Beta (the car will not autonomously turn across traffic in European cities).
Navigate on Autopilot: Seamless highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, including automatic lane changes and interchange navigation.
Smart Summon & Autopark: The car can park itself or come to you in a parking lot via your phone.
4. The „2021 Warranty“ & Ownership Benefits
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles from the original delivery date. Since this is a 2021 model, the basic warranty expired in 2025. You are now out-of-pocket for suspension, control arms, AC, screens, and door handles.
Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles (or 120,000 miles depending on the region) with a 70% capacity retention guarantee. If the car has ~40,000–60,000 miles, you have about 3–4 years / 40,000–60,000 miles of powertrain coverage left (until ~2029). This is excellent peace of mind.
Premium Connectivity (Often Grandfathered): Many 2021 models came with a lifetime Premium Connectivity trial that never expired. If active, you get free satellite maps, live traffic, and streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) without paying the ~$100/year subscription.
Lowest Depreciation: The 2021 SR Plus has already taken its steepest value hit. You can buy one today for roughly $20,000–$26,000 depending on mileage. It will lose value much slower than a new 2025 Highland.
Cheapest Tires & Maintenance: The 18″ Aero wheels use common, inexpensive tire sizes. There is no front motor to service, and regenerative braking means brake pads last over 100,000 miles.
Mobile Connector Included: Most 2021s came with the Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connector (with both NEMA 5-15 and 14-50 adapters) in the trunk. This is a $250 value that newer cars no longer include.
5. The „SR Plus“ Financial Benefits (The Real Cost Saver)
Lower Insurance: As a cheaper car to replace, comprehensive and collision insurance is significantly cheaper than insuring a Long Range or Performance model.
Lower Tire Replacement Cost: The SR Plus is lighter than the AWD models, so tires wear slower and cost less to replace.
Potential Used EV Tax Credit (USA): If you buy this from a dealer for under $25,000**, it may qualify for the **$4,000 Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (if you meet income requirements). This is a massive discount that effectively drops the price into the high-teens.