2018 Tesla Model S Electric · 1000 DS

As a fully electric vehicle, the Model S incurs no fuel costs in the traditional sense, but home charging typically costs the equivalent of around 4-5p per mile on an off-peak tariff, or roughly £800-£1,200 annually depending on mileage patterns. Road tax is currently £0 for zero-emission vehicles, though this may change for older EVs under future VED reforms. Insurance for a Model S typically sits in groups 50U to 50P, meaning premiums are substantial — often £1,200-£1,800 per year for experienced drivers. Maintenance costs are generally lower than combustion equivalents, though Tesla servicing, tyre replacement (specialist EV-rated tyres are recommended) and potential out-of-warranty battery or drive unit repairs can be expensive. Estimated annual running cost is approximately £2,200-£2,800, dominated by insurance and depreciation.

Begin with a careful inspection of the front brake system, as the September 2023 failure flagged worn pads (less than 1.5mm on the nearside, 'wearing thin' on the offside) and a brake disc wear advisory. Measure remaining disc thickness and pad material against manufacturer minimums. Examine all four tyres closely for cuts in the sidewall and tread — the 2023 test recorded two tyre defects on the front wheels, and high-mileage EVs are known for accelerated tyre wear from instant acceleration. Check for any suspension or anti-roll bar wear, as these rank among the top MOT failure reasons for the Model S aggregate (alongside tyre issues). Inspect the touchscreen for responsiveness and any pixel failure, and verify the air conditioning system works correctly. Finally, examine the charging port and cable for damage, and confirm the 12V auxiliary battery has been replaced recently, as these typically need renewal every 3-4 years.