2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD Electric · JM11 PUT

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD was conducted on 1 September 2025 and resulted in a Pass, although one advisory was recorded regarding the nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Looking at the test history, this represents a continuation of a consistent pattern rather than an isolated issue, as the previous examination on 18 September 2024 also passed but flagged advisory items for both the nearside and offside rear tyres for the same edge wear condition. The overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with no failures or categorised defects recorded, but the recurrence of the same advisory across two consecutive tests suggests an underlying issue, most likely wheel alignment geometry or suspension geometry, that has not yet been rectified. While passing with advisories is legally acceptable, a prospective buyer should treat this repetition as a meaningful indicator that mechanical attention is overdue. In terms of usage, this vehicle is approximately five years old yet has covered only 23,089 miles, equating to a very modest annual average of around 4,618 miles per year. This is substantially below the typical mileage profile for a vehicle of this age and indicates either predominantly short, light usage or significant periods of standing idle. While low mileage generally preserves major drivetrain components, it introduces its own mechanical concerns, particularly regarding brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, potential moisture accumulation in the underbody and suspension components, and degradation of time-sensitive consumables such as brake fluid and the 12V auxiliary battery. Furthermore, EV-specific elements such as the high-voltage battery conditioning and tyre age-hardening warrant close inspection, given that even low-mileage tyres deteriorate chemically over time regardless of tread depth. Given the recurring advisories for rear tyre edge wear, a thorough buyer inspection should begin with a careful examination of the rear tyres, checking not only the tread depth but also the wear pattern across the width of the tyre. Edge wear of this nature typically points to incorrect camber or tracking, and a four-wheel alignment check is strongly advised before any new tyres are fitted, otherwise the replacement rubber will suffer the same premature wear. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any suspension clonks or knocks from the rear, particularly over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, and pay attention to any pulling to one side, vague steering, or instability under braking, all of which could indicate worn suspension bushes, weakened coil springs, or compromised rear suspension geometry. It would also be prudent to inspect the rear brake discs for any lipping or corrosion, as prolonged light braking typical of EV driving through regenerative deceleration can lead to rear disc corrosion and potential caliper binding. Beyond the advisory items, several age-related checks are particularly relevant for a low-mileage EV of this vintage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking, perishing, or blistering caused by age rather than wear, especially if the original tyres remain fitted, as rubber compounds degrade significantly over a five-year period regardless of mileage. The 12V auxiliary battery, which is critical for powering the vehicle's control systems and contactors, often fails between four and six years of age and should be load-tested rather than merely voltage-checked. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and typically requires replacement every two to three years irrespective of use, so the service history should be verified for a recent fluid change. Finally, the high-voltage battery pack state of health should be confirmed via the vehicle's diagnostic menu or a Tesla-approved scan, and the underbody inspected for any signs of standing corrosion, oxidation on brake components, or degraded rubber bushings that may have stiffened or cracked from disuse.