2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · AG14 RAM

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 December 2025 resulted in a pass, although five advisory items were recorded against the vehicle, suggesting that while the car remains legally roadworthy at present, there are several wear-related items that warrant attention prior to purchase. The advisories relate to all four brake discs being worn, pitted or scored, together with a nearside rear tyre that was noted as being worn close to the legal limit or worn on its edge. Comparing this to the previous test on 19 December 2024, which was passed with no defects recorded, the overall maintenance trend is showing early signs of deterioration rather than improvement. The appearance of multiple advisories in a single examination, particularly across all four brake discs, typically indicates that the braking system is approaching a point where component replacement should be anticipated within the next service interval. The recorded mileage of 63,210 miles over approximately five years equates to an annual average of around 12,642 miles, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and points to consistent, fairly intensive use. There are no significant gaps or periods of standing evident from the recorded figures, which is generally favourable for mechanical components that suffer from prolonged inactivity, such as brake discs corroding, perished rubber components and 12V battery degradation. However, the higher accumulated mileage does carry mechanical implications, particularly for suspension bushes, coil springs, drive units, and braking components, all of which are subject to accelerated wear under frequent use. Given the electric drivetrain, the battery pack and high-voltage systems should be considered in good working order through verified diagnostics, but the conventional wear items are likely to require closer scrutiny. The brake disc advisories across all four corners are particularly noteworthy and should prompt a thorough inspection. Pitting and scoring on the friction surfaces typically arise from regular use combined with the regenerative braking characteristics common to electric vehicles, where the mechanical brakes are used less frequently and therefore do not self-clean as effectively. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal. Binding calipers, often caused by seized slider pins from infrequent manual brake use, can also be checked by accelerating briefly and ensuring the vehicle rolls freely without dragging. The nearside rear tyre advisory is another immediate concern, and the corresponding offside rear should be inspected for matching wear patterns, as uneven or edge wear on a Tesla Model 3 can also point to rear suspension geometry issues, including worn trailing arm bushes, which are a known wear item on this platform. Beyond the advisory items, given the relatively high mileage and the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should also conduct broader physical checks. Examine all four tyres for even tread depth and check the sidewalls for any cracking or perishing, as tyres degrade with age as well as use. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any fluid leaks, particularly around the front and rear motor assemblies and the cooling system components. The 12V auxiliary battery, which is known to fail prematurely in some Tesla vehicles, should be tested for state of charge and load capacity. The high-voltage traction battery should be verified through a full diagnostic check, ideally through a Tesla-approved specialist, to confirm its state of health and remaining capacity. Finally, given that the brake discs are showing surface wear, request a measurement of remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification, and budget for replacement if any are near or below the legal limit.