2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD Electric · GN71 XLS

The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD shows a stable roadworthiness trend over the past two MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 2025-09-09 at 27,149 miles passing without any recorded defects. The single failure in September 2024—curiously at the same mileage (24,006) as the preceding pass—suggests either an administrative anomaly or a rare, non-recurring issue unrelated to wear patterns. No advisories or recurring faults appear in the record, indicating the vehicle has not faced persistent mechanical concerns during its MOT history. The absence of defects in the latest test, just ten months ago, aligns with the vehicle’s low-mileage profile, though an in-person inspection remains essential to verify hidden wear. The recorded mileage of 27,149 miles over five years—approximately 5,430 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly for a performance-oriented model. The gap between tests in September 2024 (a failure followed immediately by a pass at identical mileage) and the subsequent pass in September 2025 suggests minimal driving between servicing intervals. While this could imply careful storage or infrequent use, it also raises questions about whether critical components—such as suspension bushes, brake calipers, or fluid systems—have been subject to prolonged static stress. The lack of mileage progression between tests further obscures whether maintenance was consistently applied or deferred. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the suspension system, including coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, for signs of perishing or dry-rot, particularly if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. The brakes, though not flagged in tests, warrant close examination for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially given the low mileage which may mask subtle degradation. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly around the battery compartment and underbody, for corrosion or water ingress—common risks in electric vehicles with complex cooling systems. Finally, fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, and suspension fluid) should be verified, as their degradation can accelerate without regular use.