2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · AF71 OPH

The most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 16 September 2025 resulted in a PASS, indicating that the vehicle met the minimum roadworthiness standards on the date of examination. However, two advisories were recorded relating to the nearside rear and offside rear tyres, which were noted as being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Considering the prior test of 13 September 2024 passed without any recorded defects, the overall maintenance trend does not show a pattern of escalating mechanical concerns, but the emergence of rear tyre wear advisories warrants attention. Generally, a vehicle progressing from a clean record to advisories suggests that consumable items are beginning to reach the end of their useful service life, which is expected for a five-year-old electric vehicle. The presence of advisories, as opposed to failures, indicates that while the components are not yet non-compliant, they are approaching a threshold where replacement will soon be required. With a recorded mileage of 52,848 miles over a five-year period, this Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD has accumulated approximately 10,570 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with average usage for a privately operated vehicle of this age. This mileage profile suggests a reasonable balance between component wear and intervals between major servicing events, without the extremes of very low standing time or excessively high motorway accumulation. The mileage progression between the two recorded tests, spanning September 2024 to September 2025, indicates continued regular use, which is generally beneficial for an electric vehicle as it keeps the high-voltage battery active and prevents issues associated with prolonged standing. Regular usage of this nature typically supports healthy brake disc rotation through regenerative braking, though it can also accelerate wear on items such as tyres and suspension components depending on road conditions and driving style. Given the advisory items relating to the rear tyres, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the inner and outer edges for uneven wear patterns, which can indicate misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or coil spring fatigue. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for any suspension clonks or knocking noises, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these can signify deteriorated anti-roll bar bushes or top mount wear. Uneven rear tyre wear on an electric vehicle with balanced weight distribution may also point toward rear suspension geometry issues or compromised rear trailing arms, which are known wear items on Model 3 vehicles. Additionally, the buyer should request the original equipment specification for the tyres fitted, as using mismatched brands or tread designs on the same axle can exacerbate uneven wear characteristics and affect regenerative braking efficiency. Beyond the recorded advisories, a five-year-old electric vehicle with moderate mileage requires careful attention to time-based degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which supports low-voltage systems and is known to be a periodic replacement item on Tesla vehicles, should be tested for voltage retention and state of health, as failure can result in the vehicle becoming non-responsive. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for corrosion or seizing, as even moderate annual mileage combined with regenerative braking can lead to surface rust on the discs and potential caliper binding, which may manifest as uneven braking or pulling to one side. The high-voltage battery pack should be verified for state of health through the vehicle's diagnostic system or Tesla app, and the fluid services for brake fluid and coolant should be confirmed as having been conducted in accordance with manufacturer schedules, which are largely calendar-based rather than mileage-based. Finally, all door handles, trim fixings, and the charging port mechanism should be physically inspected, as these are known to be problematic areas on Model 3 vehicles, and verifying that the panoramic roof seals and underbody panels remain secure and free from damage will complete a comprehensive evaluation of this vehicle's roadworthiness.