2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · LB70 WTL

Tyre integrity is the defining mechanical concern on this 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. The most recent MOT on 30 January 2026 was a pass, but only because the immediately preceding test on 29 January 2026 was a fail on a Major defect — an offside front inner tyre with a sidewall cut exceeding the prescribed limits and exposing ply or cord. Two advisories also sat on that earlier record: a nearside rear outer tyre with slight sidewall damage, and a nearside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. With one Major failure and three tyre-related advisories in a single testing cycle, this is a vehicle whose recent roadworthiness outcome was carried by fresh rubber rather than the underlying rolling stock. The 2025 and 2024 tests were clean of advisory or defect entries, so the deterioration is a recent development rather than a chronic pattern, but it still warrants close scrutiny because tyre sidewall failures can also indicate kerbing damage, alignment issues, or suspension geometry problems accelerating uneven wear. At 39,755 miles over roughly six years, this Model 3 has accumulated approximately 6,626 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and not consistent with either long stationary periods or exceptionally high use. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded MOT history that would suggest a multi-year lay-up, and the progression between tests appears consistent with steady, moderate driving. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage on an electric dual-motor vehicle places reasonable demands on the suspension, tyres, and brake components — although the regenerative braking system on a Tesla significantly reduces pad and disc wear compared with a combustion equivalent. The minor windscreen damage recorded on the offside front upper area in January 2024 is a small blemish rather than a structural concern, and the advisory noting fitted lower under trays suggests either aero or protection additions from a previous owner, neither of which affects roadworthiness provided they remain securely attached. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the wheel and tyre package. Check all four tyres for current age, condition, and matching specification — a Tesla Long Range AWD requires consistent rolling circumference across the axle to avoid drivetrain warning messages, so any mismatch between front and rear brands or sizes should be questioned. Inspect the sidewalls carefully for cuts, bulges, or scuffing that might indicate recent kerbing, particularly on the nearside front inner edge where the wear pattern was flagged. Because the previous failure was specifically a sidewall cut, examine the rims for sharp deformation that could have initiated the damage, and verify the alignment is within specification by checking for uneven inner-edge wear across the front pair. A test drive should include firm braking to confirm no steering wheel vibration through the wheel — indicating possible disc run-out — and straight-line driving over uneven road surfaces to detect any wandering or pull that might indicate tracking misalignment. Beyond the tyres, the test drive should focus on suspension refinement and any unusual noises. Listen for clonks, thuds, or rattles from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven tarmac, as the Model 3 uses conventional coil springs and bushes that can deteriorate with age. Pay attention to any knocking from the rear under load changes, and check for a soft or inconsistent ride that could suggest worn dampers. The absence of any brake-related advisories across the four recorded tests is notable given the regenerative system, but the buyer should still confirm firm, even pedal response and that the handbrake — or in this case, the electronic park brake — holds reliably on an incline. Finally, with no recorded emissions defects and no advisories relating to lights, structure, or corrosion, the broader mechanical picture is that this vehicle's only recent MOT friction has been at tyre level, making a thorough inspection of the rubber and associated geometry the most worthwhile use of inspection time.