2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · LB71 FJV

The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + presents a clean and stable maintenance trend. The most recent MOT, conducted on 20 November 2025 at 21,602 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This follows a similarly clean pass on 14 November 2024 at 16,245 miles. The absence of any advisories or failures across both tests indicates the vehicle has been maintained to a consistently high standard, with no emerging mechanical or structural concerns flagged by the tester. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of light use. Between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests, the car covered just 5,357 miles over a full year. Across its five-year lifespan, the total of 21,602 miles equates to roughly 4,320 miles annually, well below the UK average. The gap between the two recorded tests is notable for its consistency, showing no sudden spikes in usage or suspiciously long periods of inactivity. The low mileage suggests minimal wear on consumable components such as brake pads, tyres, and suspension bushes, though a stationary EV can still suffer from tyre flat-spotting and 12-vattery drain if left unplugged for extended periods. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should still carry out a thorough in-person inspection. The low mileage means the regenerative braking system has likely reduced wear on the friction brakes, but the rear calipers should be checked for binding, a common issue on EVs where the mechanical brakes see less use. The tyre sidewalls deserve close scrutiny for age-related cracking, as the original fitment tyres on a 2021 model are now five years old and approaching recommended replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Suspension components, particularly the lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, should be inspected for perishing, as low-mileage vehicles can deteriorate from age rather than use. The battery health and charging behaviour warrant a test drive and diagnostic check. A low-mileage EV can suffer if the traction battery has been repeatedly left at extreme states of charge. Requesting a battery health report through the Tesla app or an OBD-II tool will provide real-world capacity data beyond what the MOT covers. The drive unit, charge port, and high-voltage cooling system should operate silently and without warning lights. Overall, the MOT history is reassuring, but the age of the vehicle and its specific EV architecture demand checks that go beyond what a roadworthiness test captures.