2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · AF71 DXO

A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with a completely clean DVSA history presents a reassuring picture of roadworthiness, having passed both of its recorded MOT tests on 2025-09-01 and 2024-08-28 without a single advisory, defect, or failure entry. The absence of any flagged items on a five-year-old EV is notable, suggesting that the components typically susceptible to wear or degradation on conventional vehicles — brake discs, suspension linkages, underbody corrosion, and exhaust components — have not yet attracted examiner attention. For a prospective buyer, this unbroken pass record reduces the likelihood of hidden structural issues, binding brake calipers from infrequent use, or early corrosion to underbody panels, all of which are common advisories on higher-mileage EVs that see predominantly motorway or urban stop-start duty. With 46,818 miles accumulated over five years of life, this Model 3 has averaged around 9,360 miles annually, placing it squarely in the typical usage bracket for a UK private vehicle of its age. There are no gaps in the testing record suggesting long periods off the road, nor any sudden jumps in mileage between tests that would imply commercial use, fleet operation, or odometer irregularity. Mechanically, this kind of steady, moderate usage is favourable for an EV: the battery and drive unit have been worked regularly rather than left to languish, which helps preserve long-term cell balance and reduces the risk of seized brake components due to prolonged inactivity. Tyres, however, will still have experienced normal wear rates, and the high instant torque of even the Standard Range Plus motor tends to consume rear tyres faster than a comparable petrol vehicle. On inspection, pay particular attention to the areas most likely to wear on a Tesla of this age and mileage, even though none have yet been flagged by examiners. During a test drive, listen for any knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would point to worn top mounts, control arm bush deterioration, or failing anti-roll bar links — all common failure points on Model 3s as they age. The steering should feel precise without excess play or clonking on full lock, and the vehicle should track straight under acceleration without wander, which could indicate uneven tyre wear or alignment issues from hitting kerbs. Test the brakes firmly at low speed to ensure smooth response, as Tesla's regenerative system means the friction brakes can seize if the caliper sliders have corroded from lack of use, and listen for any grinding that would suggest pad wear or disc corrosion. Given the clean MOT history and consistent usage pattern, a pre-delivery inspection should still focus on the items that EV examiners are less likely to flag but which materially affect long-term running costs. Check the condition of all four tyres closely for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which is a recurring Model 3 issue linked to the factory suspension geometry and camber settings, and verify the manufacturing DOT stamps are recent enough to avoid premature replacement. Inspect the underside visually for any emerging surface corrosion on the subframe and suspension arms, particularly around bolt threads and mounting points, as the Model 3's underbody is largely unprotected. Finally, confirm the touchscreen responds promptly, the climate control functions correctly, and the high-voltage battery state of health is verified via the service menu or an independent EV diagnostic, as these elements are critical to the car's value and are not covered by standard MOT testing.