2018 Tesla Model S Electricity · LF18 SZU

The Tesla Model S holds a valid MOT following its most recent test on 23 December 2025 at 159,489 miles, where it passed with a single advisory. The nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover was recorded as severely deteriorated under item 5.3.4 (b) (i). This is a minor rubber deterioration issue rather than a structural failure, but it does indicate exposure to age and road debris. The overall maintenance trend appears stable. The vehicle passed its June 2025 test cleanly at 122,965 miles, and the only other notable event in the past year was a failure in May 2025 at 117,733 miles involving multiple tyre defects and a faulty TPMS sensor, all of which were rectified before the subsequent pass the following week. The mileage pattern reveals a striking anomaly. Between the June 2025 test at 122,965 miles and the December 2025 test at 159,489 miles, the vehicle accumulated 36,524 miles in just under six months. That equates to roughly 6,000 miles per month, or 72,000 miles per year, which is exceptionally high even for a vehicle already averaging around 20,000 miles annually over its eight-year life. This rapid accumulation suggests intensive use, possibly as a long-distance commuter or fleet vehicle, placing disproportionate stress on consumable components and drivetrain elements. A buyer inspecting this Model S in person should pay close attention to the condition of all suspension bushes and ball joints, particularly the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage flagged in the December advisory. Deteriorated dust covers allow grit ingress, accelerating joint wear. The front suspension should be checked for clunking or play, and the subframe and lower arms inspected for corrosion or cracking given the mileage load. The May 2025 failure exposed multiple tyre issues simultaneously, including a ply-exposed offside front tyre and a malfunctioning TPMS. This suggests tyre maintenance was neglected during that period. A thorough inspection of all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and correct pressures is essential, along with verifying the TPMS recalibrates correctly. The braking system and drivetrain deserve equal scrutiny. High-mileage electric vehicles endure significant regenerative braking use, but the mechanical brakes must still be assessed for disc thickness, pad life, and caliper function. The battery pack and charging port should be examined for physical damage, and a full diagnostic scan carried out to check battery health, thermal management, and any stored fault codes. The windscreen wiper fault flagged in May 2025 was minor, but the wiper mechanism and washer jets should still operate cleanly. Given the extreme mileage surge in late 2025, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a Tesla specialist is strongly recommended before committing.