2022 Tesla Model 3 Electricity · LB72 WDK

The defining mechanical takeaway on this Tesla Model 3 is one of consistent roadworthiness with very limited advisory history, but the few items recorded do point toward the kind of wear pattern you would expect on a car that has been working hard rather than sitting idle. The most recent MOT on 27 October 2025 returned a clean pass with no failures or dangerous defects, and the only items noted were advisories on both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. That dual-rear advisory is a small but meaningful signal: edge wear rather than even tread consumption typically points to a geometry issue or to the rear axle not being fully loaded in normal use, both of which are worth scrutinising on a vehicle of this age and mileage. Against a typical Tesla Model 3 of this vintage, the recorded 71,389 miles over an ownership period of roughly four years equates to around 17,800 miles per year, which is well above the national average and sits at the higher end of what you would expect even for a company car or long-distance commuter. There are no gaps in the MOT history to suggest long periods off the road, and the mileage progression implies continuous use. Mechanically, that level of annual accumulation places greater demand on the suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and pads, driveshaft gaiters, and the underfloor battery protection plates. Regenerative braking does reduce pad wear at the front axle compared with a conventional ICE car, but the rear discs and calipers still do most of the low-speed stopping work, so they warrant specific attention on inspection. Given the rear tyre wear advisories flagged in October 2025, a prospective buyer should begin with a thorough visual inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the inner and outer shoulders of the rear pair. Uneven shoulder wear across an axle suggests either incorrect camber or toe settings, worn rear suspension bushes, or a sagging coil spring. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as worn trailing arm bushes are a known issue on Model 3s of this generation and would be consistent with both higher mileage and the recorded edge wear. Also feel for any rear-end instability or tracking issues at motorway speeds, which can indicate alignment drift from worn suspension links rather than just a one-off geometry knock. For the rest of the car, the test drive should focus on the symptoms most likely to manifest at this mileage. Check for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which on a Model 3 can indicate warped front discs despite the regen-friendly usage pattern, and listen for any binding or dragging sensation from the rear calipers as the car rolls to a stop. Inspect the underside of the car closely, particularly around the subframe mounting points, control arm pivots, and the underfloor battery area, looking for any surface corrosion or evidence of fluid weeping from the rear drive unit. Finally, verify the operation of all driver assistance and sensor systems, as a forward-facing camera or radar misalignment often goes hand in hand with suspension wear on higher-mileage examples, and confirm that the high-voltage battery state of health is documented independently of the MOT record.