2015 Tesla Model S Electric · LB15 TSX

As a pure electric vehicle, the Model S is exempt from both VED road tax (Band A, £0) and the London Congestion Charge. Real-world efficiency for the 2015 Model S typically falls between 240 and 280 miles of range when the battery is healthy, with energy consumption around 18-22 kWh per 100 miles depending on driving style and wheel size. Home charging costs will depend heavily on your electricity tariff, but expect roughly 4-5 pence per mile at standard rates, dropping to around 2-3 pence per mile on an off-peak tariff.

Insurance for a 2015 Model S sits in group 50, the highest bracket, so premiums will be substantial — typically £1,200-£2,000 per year for a 40-year-old driver with a clean licence. Servicing is required every two years rather than annually, but budget £300-£500 per visit for items such as brake fluid, coolant, HEPA filter replacement, and tyre rotation. The largest variable cost remains the battery; while day-to-day running is cheap, a degraded pack can fundamentally alter the car's value proposition.

Start with the MOT failure categories most prevalent across the Model S sample: tyres, anti-roll bar components, and suspension arms. Tyres should be inspected for even wear across both axles — uneven wear can indicate alignment issues, which are expensive to correct on these cars due to the complex air suspension geometry. Ask the seller for the age of the current tyres (look for the DOT date code on the sidewall) and budget around £400-£600 for a full set of quality EV-rated tyres.

Examine the air suspension closely for any sagging overnight, as the air struts are a known wear item on cars of this age and replacement costs run into four-figure territory per corner. Listen for the compressor running excessively when the car is unlocked — a short-cycling compressor suggests leaking struts. Finally, inspect the charge port, door handles (the original retractable design can fail), and the panoramic roof seal for water ingress, as the latter is a recurring complaint on early Model S vehicles that MOT testing would not flag.