2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · MW71 LKA

A clean two-test MOT history places this Model 3 Long Range AWD in a reassuring position from a roadworthiness standpoint. Both the December 2025 and December 2024 examinations passed with no advisories or defects recorded, suggesting that the braking, suspension, steering, lighting, tyre, and structural integrity checks undertaken under DVSA inspection criteria have all been met without the marginal wear items that typically begin appearing at this age. There is no MOT evidence in the available record of persistent component deterioration such as binding calipers, corroded brake pipes, deteriorated suspension bushes, coil spring fatigue, or underbody corrosion that often feature on the advisories of higher-mileage EVs of similar vintage. The lack of recorded advisories across consecutive years points to a stable mechanical condition rather than a vehicle where remedial work has been deferred. With 98,826 miles recorded against a five-year age, this Model 3 is accumulating approximately 19,765 miles annually, which is notably above the typical private-car average of 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. This level of usage places it firmly in the upper-quadrant mileage band for its age and suggests consistent motorway or commuter mileage rather than the lighter mixed use seen on most examples of this generation. Mechanically, elevated annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables outside the MOT remit, including brake discs and pads (which on EVs can suffer from surface corrosion despite low pad wear due to regenerative braking), road springs, anti-roll bar links, wheel bearings, and the underbody protective coatings that resist corrosion. The continuous usage also typically benefits the 12V auxiliary battery and high-voltage pack thermal management by avoiding prolonged stationary periods, though it places proportionally higher demand on the tyre shoulders and suspension geometry. Despite the absence of recorded advisories, the buyer should still direct attention to the specific wear items most associated with high-mileage examples of this model. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn lower control arm bushes or drop link deterioration, and pay particular attention to steering precision under braking or over cambers, as worn front suspension components often manifest as vague turn-in or tramlining. Brake pedal feel should be firm and consistent; any soft initial bite, pedal pulsation under firm application, or pulling to one side warrants further inspection of the caliper slide pins, brake disc lateral runout, and pad condition, since EV brake systems are prone to corroded discs that judder even when pad material remains adequate. Inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a high-mileage Model 3 is a strong pointer to geometry misalignment caused by worn suspension components rather than simply inflation issues. A physical inspection beneath the vehicle and within the wheel arches remains strongly advisable given the mileage profile, even though the MOT history is unblemished. Examine the underbody and suspension arms for any surface corrosion or flaking that may not yet have reached the DVSA advisory threshold but could indicate accelerated oxidation, particularly around multi-link rear suspension components and the subframe mounting points. Check that all four wheels are the same manufacturer and specification, as uneven tyre mixing is common on high-mileage vehicles and can mask suspension defects. Verify the function of all lighting, including the boot and number plate lamps, and confirm that the driver assistance systems calibrate and operate without persistent fault messages. Finally, ensure that the high-voltage battery state of health, 12V battery condition, and any Tesla-specific diagnostic fault logs are reviewed through a Tesla-approved service centre or specialist with access to the manufacturer system, as these items are entirely outside the DVSA test scope but represent the most significant mechanical unknowns on any used Model 3 of this age and mileage.