2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · BN20 THV

As a pure electric vehicle, this Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD sits in the £0 road tax band (zero-emission), saving the buyer the £165 annual VED charge that petrol and diesel cars of this value would attract. Electricity costs depend heavily on charging habits, but at the WLTP combined figure of around 4.2 miles per kWh and a home tariff of roughly 25p per kWh, full-charge running costs work out at around 6p per mile, giving a typical annual electricity bill of around £900-£1,100 if covering 12,000-15,000 miles. Insurance for a Model 3 Long Range typically falls into groups 48-50, which is at the higher end of the scale — expect premiums of £800-£1,400 per year depending on your circumstances and location.

Servicing on a Tesla is minimal compared to combustion cars: there are no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts, and Tesla recommends a cabin filter change every two years and brake fluid every four years on the Model 3. However, the recent MOT history suggests tyres are a meaningful ongoing cost, with this car wearing through rear tyres in roughly 18,000 miles — at a Model 3 tyre replacement cost of £100-£200 per corner for quality brands, budgeting £300-£500 per year for tyres alone on a high-mileage example is realistic. Allowing £200-£400 annually for brake fluid, cabin filter, and potential 12V battery replacement, and assuming modest public charging top-ups alongside home charging, an estimated annual running cost of £1,600-£2,200 is a fair working figure for this vehicle.

The most obvious inspection priority is the tyres — physically check the tread depth on all four corners with a gauge, look for uneven wear patterns (particularly inner-edge wear which was flagged on the nearside and offside fronts at the May 2026 MOT), and inspect the sidewalls for cracking or bulges given the car's age. The fact that all four tyres were within the advisory zone at the most recent test means a fresh set is almost certainly due within months, if not immediately. Inspect the wheels for kerb scuffs and check that the tyre pressures system (TPMS) is functioning, as faulty sensors are a common and irritating Tesla issue.

Next, focus on the items the MOT cannot tell you about but are known Model 3 weak points: the 12V auxiliary battery (located under the bonnet and front trim panel), which commonly fails every 3-4 years and can cause cascading electrical faults; the high-voltage battery health, which should be verified through the Tesla app or service centre using the VIN; and the suspension, particularly the front lower control arms and rear upper links, which are prone to knocking and premature wear on UK roads. Test all door handles — these electrically retract and are notorious for failing, with replacement costing £100-£200 per handle outside warranty. Finally, check the central touchscreen for full functionality including climate, navigation, media, and the reversing camera, as a failed MCU (media control unit) can cost £1,500+ to replace.