2018 Tesla Model S Electricity · GV18 GGK

The latest MOT test for this vehicle, conducted on 1 July 2026, resulted in a pass, but this was achieved only after a failure three months prior due to a dangerous defect involving exposed tyre ply or cords on the offside rear. The overall maintenance trend for this vehicle is concerning, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to upkeep. Over consecutive years, the vehicle has failed MOT tests on severe tyre safety issues, including structural tyre lumps in 2025 and exposed cords in 2026. Crucially, the latest pass still carries multiple advisories for three tyres worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting uneven edge wear, demonstrating that the owner chose to do the bare minimum to secure a pass certificate rather than fully resolving the vehicle's underlying mechanical issues. At 78,800 miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 9,850 miles per year, which is typical for a premium saloon of this age in the UK. This consistent annual mileage is generally positive, suggesting the car has been regularly driven rather than left standing, which helps maintain the health of the high-voltage battery pack and its thermal management systems. However, at nearly 80,000 miles, the substantial weight and high torque output of this electric vehicle will have put significant strain on the chassis. Prospective buyers must recognise that this mileage, combined with the vehicle's heavy kerb weight, accelerates wear on steering and suspension components much faster than on a lighter, conventional petrol or diesel car. The recurring MOT failures and advisories regarding inner-edge tyre wear and structural failures are classic symptoms of suspension geometry issues. On this model, heavy wear on the inner edges of the tyres, particularly at the rear, strongly points to worn suspension bushes, sagging control arms, or incorrect camber and toe alignment. During a test drive, you must pay close attention to the vehicle's handling. Listen for any clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or rough road surfaces, which indicates worn control arm bushes or ball joints. The car should track straight and true; any pulling to one side or a steering wheel that is off-centre when driving straight confirms that a major wheel alignment issue is present, which will rapidly destroy any new tyres fitted. Given that the latest MOT still advises on three tyres worn close to the legal limit, the buyer must budget immediately for a full set of premium 21-inch tyres and a professional four-wheel laser alignment to correct the suspension geometry. Additionally, because electric vehicles rely heavily on regenerative braking, the physical brake discs and calipers are often underused. You should physically inspect the brake discs for heavy corrosion, pitting, or lip wear, and feel for any brake shudder or binding calipers during the test drive. Finally, verify the service history for calendar-based maintenance, such as brake fluid changes and cabin filter replacements, and ensure that the air suspension, if fitted, raises and lowers the vehicle smoothly and quietly without any warning messages on the instrument cluster.