2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · LB70 CDV

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus was conducted on 11 November 2024 and resulted in a pass, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. The previous test on 8 November 2023 also concluded with a clean pass and no recorded items, meaning the car has now completed two consecutive MOT examinations without any flagged concerns relating to braking efficiency, suspension condition, tyre condition, lighting, exhaust emissions, or structural integrity. With no advisories to indicate borderline wear on components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, or suspension bushes, and no recurrence of any specific failure points, the documented maintenance trend can be considered stable and consistent. While a clean MOT history is reassuring, prospective buyers should bear in mind that the MOT only reflects the condition at the time of inspection and does not predict imminent failures or cover items not directly tested, so the absence of advisories should be weighed alongside a thorough physical inspection. With a recorded mileage of 39,669 miles over approximately six years of service, the vehicle has covered around 6,612 miles per year, which broadly aligns with typical UK usage patterns for a privately owned modern electric saloon. There is no evidence in the available data of unusually low mileage that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor are there significant gaps between test entries that would imply inconsistent use. This annual mileage is moderate and should not have placed excessive demand on mechanical consumables such as tyres, brake components, or suspension parts, though it is worth noting that on a Tesla Model 3 the braking system benefits from regenerative deceleration, which generally reduces wear on brake pads and discs compared to a conventional internal combustion vehicle. Nonetheless, items such as the 12V auxiliary battery, cabin filters, tyres, and suspension components will still degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone, and the vehicle's age should be considered in any assessment. Given the clean MOT record and moderate annual mileage, the absence of documented defects means there are no recurring advisories or failure points to investigate. However, for a six-year-old electric vehicle with this usage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of practical age- and calendar-based inspections. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, or crazing caused by age and UV exposure, as rubber compounds deteriorate regardless of tread depth; even tyres with adequate tread may be approaching the end of their service life if manufacturing date stamps suggest they are over five years old. Similarly, the condition of the 12V auxiliary battery, which powers ancillary systems on Teslas and can lead to significant electrical faults if it fails, should be tested for voltage retention and state of health. Brake calipers on a low-mileage EV can occasionally seize due to infrequent use, so a test drive should include a few firm stops to confirm the vehicle pulls up cleanly without pulling to one side, and the wheels should be inspected for evidence of brake disc corrosion or uneven pad deposits. Wheel alignment should also be checked, as any uneven or rapid inner-edge tyre wear may suggest tracking issues that would not be flagged on an MOT unless severe. Fluid-based service items and high-voltage system considerations warrant attention in line with calendar-age servicing schedules rather than MOT intervals. Although the Tesla Model 3 uses minimal conventional fluids, the brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be replaced according to manufacturer intervals, typically every two to three years, to prevent moisture ingress that can degrade braking performance and corrode internal caliper components. Coolant servicing for the thermal management system, gearbox lubrication where applicable, and any air conditioning refrigerant checks should also be confirmed via the service history. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for any abnormal noises from the suspension, such as clonks or rattles over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links. Steering should feel precise and consistent, with no vibration through the wheel that might point to imbalance or alignment issues. Finally, verifying that the vehicle has a complete and consistent service book, ideally with digital records accessible via the Tesla app, and checking that any previous recalls or software-related bulletins have been addressed, will provide additional confidence in the vehicle's overall mechanical and electrical condition.