2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · AF22 XPL

A 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD with 96,816 miles on the odometer presents a roadworthiness profile that is, on the official record at least, entirely unremarkable. The most recent MOT test on 18 March 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, continuing a pattern established at the previous test a year earlier. A prior failure on the same date as the 2025 pass is unusual to see on the DVSA record and warrants clarification from the seller, as it could represent a retest following rectification on the same day, a data entry irregularity, or a minor issue that was addressed before the pass was issued. Crucially, no structural advisories, brake line corrosion, suspension component wear, or exhaust integrity issues have been flagged across any of the recorded tests, and the absence of any recurring defect patterns means there is no documented mechanical weakness to investigate beyond the general wear items one would expect on a high-mileage EV. The annual mileage accumulation of approximately 24,204 miles per year is substantially above the national average and places this vehicle firmly in the high-utilisation bracket for its age. Over a four-year service life, this rate of use implies that consumables such as tyres, brake pads, brake discs, and suspension bushes have likely been subjected to significantly more thermal cycling and mechanical stress than a lower-mileage equivalent. For an EV of this weight and specification, the regenerative braking system reduces pad wear relative to an internal-combustion vehicle, but the front discs and pads still accumulate corrosion through infrequent use during low-speed manoeuvres, and the rear units can suffer from binding calipers if the sliding mechanisms seize. The continuous high usage is broadly favourable for keeping seals, bearings, and brake components active, though it accelerates wear on items such as suspension top mounts, control arm bushes, and drive unit mounting bushings, which carry the considerable mass of the dual-motor configuration. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific components flagged by the DVSA examiner to target during inspection, but the high annual mileage should prompt a thorough physical and dynamic evaluation. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn lower control arm bushes or top mount bearings, and pay particular attention to any steering vibration or vagueness that could point to tie rod or drop link wear. The Model 3's heavy unladen weight makes the rear suspension and subframe mounting points especially vulnerable to fatigue, so listen for rear-end clonking over bumps and check that the vehicle sits level at rest with no obvious corner sag. Inspect the underside for evidence of fluid leaks from the front and rear drive unit assemblies, corrosion around the rear subframe and multi-link fittings, and any damage to the undertray fixings that may have resulted from kerbing given the low ride height. Brake system condition should be evaluated carefully despite the EV drivetrain, as rear caliper slider seizing is a known wear pattern on high-mileage examples and can cause uneven pad transfer and disc hot spots. On the test drive, apply firm braking from at least 40 mph and feel for any judder through the steering wheel or pedal pulsation, which would indicate front disc warping rather than simple pad wear. The tyres should be examined for uneven shoulder wear, which on the Model 3 typically indicates geometry misalignment, and for any inner-edge wear that may suggest worn suspension components rather than simply requiring a wheel alignment. Finally, given the mileage, it is prudent to verify the service history independently, confirm that any high-voltage system recalls or over-the-air firmware limitations have been addressed, and ensure the 12V auxiliary battery has been replaced, as this is a known service item on Tesla vehicles irrespective of MOT status.