2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · GD70 GSO

The most recent DVSA MOT carried out on 5 December 2025 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met all statutory requirements at that inspection. Earlier in the series, the 12 March 2024 test resulted in a failure owing to a malfunctioning tyre‑pressure monitoring system and tyre wear that approached the legal limit, while the 12 March 2025 test recorded only advisory items. The progression from a failure to successive passes demonstrates that the identified issues have been remedied and that the overall maintenance trend is now stable and moving in an improving direction. At five years old the Model 3 has logged 28 687 miles, equating to roughly 5 700 miles per annum – well below the UK average for a comparable vehicle. This low annual mileage suggests either predominantly short‑haul or city driving, or periods of inactivity where the car may have been stationary for extended stretches. The modest mileage reduces the typical wear on suspension bushings, brake discs and pads, and the drivetrain, but it also raises the possibility of age‑related degradation such as tyre sidewall perishing and battery calendar ageing, which are not mileage‑dependent. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the off‑side front bumper mounting area that was flagged for corrosion in 2025; look for any surface rust, paint blistering or loosened fasteners that could progress to structural fatigue, and listen for a metallic clunk when the steering wheel is turned at low speed. The front inner tyre was noted as being close to the legal tread limit in 2024, so verify that the tread depth now exceeds 1.6 mm on all four wheels, check for uneven wear patterns that might indicate mis‑aligned suspension or worn camber bushes, and ensure the tyre‑pressure monitoring system is fully operational – a non‑functioning TPMS will cause a MOT failure and can mask low‑pressure‑related handling issues. The advisory about a rear child seat obstructing the adult seat‑belt inspection highlights the need to confirm that all seat‑belt anchor points are accessible, free of damage and that the retractor mechanisms operate smoothly without excessive play or sticking. Beyond the MOT‑specific items, an EV of this age benefits from a thorough assessment of battery health – request a recent state‑of‑charge and degradation report from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics, and confirm that the car has been kept within the manufacturer’s recommended charging window to minimise capacity loss. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, as age can compromise grip even on low‑mileage tyres. Inspect the brake discs and pads; although regenerative braking reduces mechanical wear, the friction system should be free of scoring, rust or uneven pad thickness, and the calipers should move without binding. Finally, check the suspension for any signs of corrosion on the sub‑frame, control‑arm bushings and coil springs, and verify that the latest over‑the‑air software updates have been applied, as these can affect everything from battery management to regenerative braking performance. A comprehensive visual and auditory inspection combined with a short test drive that includes gentle acceleration, regenerative braking, and low‑speed cornering will reveal any lingering issues before purchase.