2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · AF20 USL

A 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD with three pass certificates and a single failure on file presents a clean DVSA roadworthiness history, with the most recent test on 26 August 2025 recording no defects and the trend across 2023 to 2025 remaining stable rather than deteriorating. The lone failure dated 7 August 2024 was an anonymous pass with no advisories, defects, or component details recorded against it, so it is not possible to confirm what specifically caused that single rejection. The 2024 pass certificate issued just eight days later, on 15 August 2024, and the subsequent clean 2025 outcome suggest the issue was rectified promptly. The absence of any chronic advisories for tyre wear, brake condition, suspension components, or corrosion across four tests indicates the car has not developed the typical wear patterns that tend to surface in the middle years of a high-mileage EV. At 94,237 recorded miles over approximately six years, this Model 3 is accumulating around 15,700 miles per year, which is well above the national average and firmly in the high-use category. Mechanical implications of this mileage band on a Tesla are centred on the suspension and rolling stock rather than the powertrain, as the dual-motor drivetrain is engineered for high-mileage durability with minimal routine servicing. Expect accelerated wear on the lower control arms, compliance bushings, and drop links, together with brake disc corrosion on the rear axle given heavy reliance on regenerative braking. Tyres will have turned over more than once and the current set should be inspected for uneven shoulder wear, which is common on Teslas with high torque delivery and aggressive alignment settings. From a buyer inspection perspective, a road test should focus on secondary ride quality and chassis refinement, as the MOT record contains no specific guidance on which components to monitor. Listen for clonks or dull knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and rough tarmac, which would point to worn control arm bushings or top mount bearings, both of which are recurring cost items on Model 3s at this mileage. Feel for vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which may indicate warped front discs, and check for any pulling to one side that could suggest alignment wear or a tired tie rod. On a low-speed manoeuvre, listen for any binding or graunching from the rear brakes, as seized caliper sliders are a known issue and can leave the handbrake mechanism underused and prone to corrosion. A physical inspection underneath and around the car should supplement the test drive, as the MOT history alone does not flag the underside components most likely to be approaching their service life on a high-mileage example. Pay particular attention to the underside of the battery pack and the rear subframe mounting points for any surface corrosion or fluid residue, and check the condition of the high-voltage cable conduits running along the underbody for chafing or cracking. Inspect all four coil springs for any signs of sagging or corrosion, and examine the CV joint boots and drive shafts for splits, as these are regularly replaced wear items on high-mileage Teslas. Finally, request evidence of recent tyre replacement, brake fluid service, and any suspension component renewals, since the MOT record does not capture preventative maintenance and these items will directly affect the short-term cost of ownership on a car that has clearly been used extensively.