2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Electric · LC23 VCT

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 April 2026 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories noted, which is the strongest possible outcome and indicates the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements at that point. However, it is worth noting that this pass followed immediately after a FAIL recorded just seven days earlier on 10 April 2026. The earlier test produced a major defect relating to an offside rear outer tyre cut deep enough to expose the ply or cords, alongside advisories for both front inner tyres and the nearside rear inner tyre all worn close to the legal limit or presenting with uneven edge wear. The presence of a major defect requiring rectification before a pass could be granted suggests that either remedial tyre replacement was carried out promptly or the tyres were replaced between the two tests. Overall, while the current status is positive, the rapid succession of tests indicates that tyre condition was an area of concern that the seller should be able to evidence with recent replacement invoices. With a recorded mileage of 47,343 miles over approximately three years, this Model Y has covered around 15,781 miles per year, which is notably above average for a vehicle of this age and segment. Higher annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on all consumable components, particularly brake pads and discs, suspension bushes and coil springs, wheel bearings, and tyre compounds. There is no evidence of prolonged periods of standing that might promote corrosion of brake rotors, binding handbrake mechanisms, or 12V auxiliary battery degradation, but conversely the drivetrain, steering, and suspension components will have accumulated meaningful working cycles. As a single-motor rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle, there is no traditional engine oil or gearbox service, but the reduction gearbox oil, brake fluid, coolant, and possibly a desiccant filter service will still be subject to calendar-based replacement intervals which should be verified through Tesla service records. Given the tyre-related issues recorded at the recent test, a prospective buyer should carefully inspect all four tyres for age coding, confirming they are recent replacements with adequate tread depth across the full width of the contact patch. Edge wear patterns noted on both front inner tyres and one rear tyre suggest the possibility of incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or geometry concerns which a wheeling alignment check could confirm. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front subframe and rear suspension links which are known wear points on Model Y vehicles. Also pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, uneven or grabbing brake response, or steering vibration, all of which could indicate underlying issues not visible from the MOT record alone. Finally, although the MOT history does not directly evidence brake or fluid condition, the higher mileage warrants specific physical inspections. Request evidence of recent brake fluid replacement, as Tesla specifies brake fluid changes typically every two to three years due to its hygroscopic nature, and confirm whether the coolant has been serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. Inspect the 12V auxiliary battery health, as Model Y vehicles use a low-voltage battery separate from the high-voltage traction pack, and premature failure is relatively common between three and five years of age. Verify the service history through the Tesla app or approved service records, particularly confirming any high-voltage system inspections, tyre rotations, and brake fluid flushes. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Tesla vehicles would be highly advisable given the mileage and the tyre wear pattern noted at the recent MOT, providing reassurance that no underlying geometry or suspension defects remain unaddressed.