2016 Tesla Model S Electric · GY16 AAK

The Model S benefits from electricity rather than petrol, typically costing around £400-£600 per year for home charging based on average UK electricity rates and an estimated 12,000 miles per year. Road tax for electric cars is currently £0, but insurance groups for a 2016 Model S are usually in the higher range (group 35-38), leading to an estimated £800-£1,200 annual premium. Routine maintenance on electric vehicles is lower, but brake pad and tyre wear can add £150-£300 per year. Altogether, an annual running cost of roughly £1,350-£2,100 is realistic.

Maintenance costs for the braking system and tyres should be budgeted, as the MOT history shows wear in these areas. Battery degradation is a model‑wide consideration for 2016 EVs, but specific costs depend on the remaining capacity, which should be verified with a Tesla service check.

Inspect the rear brake pads closely; the 2025 MOT recorded them as "wearing thin" and they caused a failure. Look for uneven wear, glazing, or scoring, and ask for a measurement of pad thickness. Also check the condition of the brake discs for any scoring that could indicate future replacement.

Examine all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall condition, and any signs of edge wear, as the MOTs in 2023 and 2024 flagged tyres "worn close to legal limit" on both front and rear. Confirm that the tyres are still within the legal minimum tread depth (1.6mm) and consider the cost of a full set if they are near the limit.

Verify the windscreen washer system is functional and the reservoir is filled, since an empty washer bottle caused a MOT failure in October 2025. Ensure the spray nozzles deliver adequate fluid and that the washer pump operates correctly.