2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · LD20 LDX

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, but only after an associated Major defect for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system was rectified on the same day. Across the recorded MOT history the maintenance trend appears largely stable, though there is a recurring pattern of tyre-related advisories and failures that warrant close attention. The earlier tests on 11 March 2025 and 19 March 2024 both recorded failures for dangerously low rear and front inner tread depth respectively, while the most recent test flagged an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the inner edge. Wipers smearing the screen were also noted in 2024. Overall, the vehicle has not suffered any structural, brake, or suspension-related advisories in the recorded MOT period, which is positive, but the tyre wear pattern is the standout recurring issue. With 79,773 miles recorded over approximately six years, this Tesla Model 3 is accumulating roughly 13,300 miles annually, which is considerably above the national average and points to consistent, high-mileage use. There are no significant mileage gaps in the MOT history, indicating the car has been in regular service rather than left standing. Mechanically, higher annual mileage typically accelerates wear on suspension components such as bushes, coil springs, and drop links, and may bring brake component servicing closer, particularly for an EV that relies on regenerative deceleration but still uses friction brakes for low-speed and heavy stopping. Tyres, as already evidenced by the MOT record, will also be a recurring cost item given the vehicle’s performance-oriented specification and the inner-edge wear pattern observed. The recurring advisory and dangerous defect notices concerning tyre tread depth, particularly inner-edge wear on both front and rear axles, suggest that alignment geometry and possibly suspension geometry should be inspected before purchase. Uneven inner-edge wear on 235/45 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres can indicate camber misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or simply the result of the vehicle’s standard factory geometry combined with high mileage. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking over uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or straight-line driving, which may indicate alignment or component wear. The recently rectified tyre pressure monitoring system fault should be verified as fully functional by checking that all four pressures register correctly on the vehicle display, and any warning lights should be monitored during the inspection. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a prospective buyer should also conduct age-related checks that fall outside MOT scope. The 12V auxiliary battery, which manages low-voltage systems in the Tesla, typically requires replacement around the four to six-year mark and should be load-tested. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for corrosion and binding, particularly on a vehicle used regularly but possibly stored outdoors. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox fluid servicing intervals should be verified against Tesla’s recommended schedule, as these are calendar-based rather than purely mileage-driven. Tyre sidewalls should be checked for perishing or cracking consistent with age, and the underside of the vehicle, including the high-voltage cabling and battery enclosure, should be visually inspected for impact damage or corrosion. Verifying full Tesla service history, including any firmware updates and high-voltage battery health diagnostics, is essential for this particular model given its drivetrain technology.