2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · MS70 MSD

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD’s latest DVSA MOT test on 2025-11-27 resulted in a clean pass, confirming no mechanical defects or failures were detected at that time. The vehicle’s maintenance history over the past two years shows a stable trend, with both MOT tests passing without recorded failures and only minor advisories related to tyre wear. These advisories—both offside and nearside rear tyres worn close to the legal limit at 3.00mm, exhibiting edge wear—suggest consistent but not excessive lateral or directional stress on the tyres, which is typically manageable if the wear pattern remains stable. The absence of repeated or worsening defects indicates that the vehicle has been maintained within safe operational parameters, though the tyre advisories warrant closer attention to prevent further wear progression or potential hydroplaning risks in wet conditions. The recorded mileage of 21,139 miles for a vehicle aged five years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 4,228 miles per year. Such mileage is uncommon for a car of this age, particularly one with an electric powertrain, where wear on consumables like brakes, suspension components, and drivetrain elements is often less pronounced than in internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the low mileage could imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which may lead to specific issues—such as standing corrosion on the undercarriage, battery degradation from reduced charge cycles, or potential fluid degradation in sealed systems like the brake or transmission fluids over time. The absence of high-mileage wear patterns on the tyres suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to aggressive driving conditions, but this also means that wear items like suspension bushes, coil springs, and steering components may not have been subjected to the same level of dynamic stress as a higher-mileage vehicle. Given the clean MOT history and low recorded mileage, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection to address potential age-related and usage-specific concerns. First, examine the tyres for signs of sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations. Check the tread depth on all four tyres, ensuring no areas exceed the legal minimum of 1.6mm, and verify the tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. The rear tyres’ edge wear advisories from the MOT suggest the vehicle may have experienced directional or lateral forces, so a closer inspection of the wheel alignment and camber angles would be prudent. Additionally, inspect the undercarriage for signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, exhaust system, and any exposed electrical components, as prolonged standing can accelerate rust formation. For fluid systems, focus on the battery health, as electric vehicles are particularly susceptible to reduced capacity and potential degradation from infrequent use. A visual inspection of the battery terminals and casing for swelling, leaks, or excessive heat should be performed, and a professional diagnostic check would confirm the battery’s state of charge capacity. While Tesla’s battery management system is designed to mitigate issues from low usage, extreme neglect could lead to long-term capacity loss. The brake system should also be evaluated, with particular attention to the rear discs for signs of corrosion or binding, which can occur if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Finally, since the vehicle has not undergone a full service schedule commensurate with its age, buyers should verify the absence of any service book stamps or recall notices related to the Model 3’s specific software or structural updates. If the vehicle has been driven regularly, the wear on suspension components like bushings and springs may be more pronounced, but the low mileage suggests these have not yet reached critical levels.