2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · P412 CHY

This Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD presents a generally encouraging mechanical picture, anchored by two consecutive pass outcomes and the absence of any recorded failures or dangerous defects at the official testing gates. The most recent examination on 28 July 2025 concluded with a pass, although it did attract three advisory notations that merit attention before purchase. The prior visit on 7 May 2024 recorded no defects at all, indicating that the car has not regressed dramatically but has begun to show the early signs of wear consistent with a vehicle entering its mid-life service bracket. The advisory cluster around the nearside rear tyre and the illuminated tyre pressure monitoring warning light are particularly noteworthy, as they point to either uneven wear geometry, a slow leak, or a sensor fault that should be diagnosed prior to any handover. The child seat advisory is an administrative item rather than a mechanical one, but the rear tyre and TPMS warnings together suggest the rear axle geometry or tyre condition deserves a hands-on inspection. With 37,482 miles accumulated over roughly five years, this Model 3 is averaging approximately 7,500 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the normal range for a privately owned executive saloon used for a mix of commuting and longer journeys. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT history or unusual mileage jumps that would suggest the vehicle has spent extended periods standing idle, nor is there evidence of an exceptionally high annual accumulation that would accelerate wear on the dual-motor drivetrain or undercarriage components. Tesla electric powertrains are generally tolerant of moderate mileage when the cooling system has been serviced and the battery thermal management remains functional, so this usage profile should not in itself raise concerns about battery degradation or motor wear. The relatively even distribution of mileage means brake discs and pads on a vehicle of this type may still be in serviceable condition thanks to regenerative braking reducing reliance on the friction brakes, though the rear calipers and electronic parking brake mechanism should still be exercised on a test drive to confirm they release cleanly. Given the advisory specifically flagging the nearside rear tyre as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, the buyer should inspect all four corners for uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the driven rear axle, and check the wheel alignment figures if available from a Tesla service record. On a road test, listen for any humming or droning from the rear that could indicate cupping or stepped wear, and feel for steering pull or instability under braking which would suggest the geometry has been compromised by the worn edge. The tyre pressure monitoring system warning should be reset after correct inflation to determine whether it is a persistent fault related to a sensor battery or simply a delayed response to a pressure drop, and a diagnostic scan through the Tesla touchscreen or a specialist tool will confirm whether the TPMS module is logging a specific wheel sensor failure. Pay particular attention to the rear suspension bushes and trailing arms, as worn edges on the inner or outer shoulder can sometimes be traced to a failing bushing rather than simple inflation issues. Beyond the flagged advisories, the prospective buyer should carry out a thorough test drive focusing on the items most likely to surface on a five year old electric vehicle with this mileage profile. Listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and rough tarmac, particularly from the lower control arms and anti-roll bar links which are known wear items on Model 3 chassis. Check for any pulling to one side under acceleration, which on a dual-motor car can indicate mismatched torque delivery or alignment drift, and verify that the steering remains precise without vagueness around the straight ahead. On the braking side, although regen handles most deceleration, confirm that the pedal feels firm and that the friction brakes bite cleanly without judder, as seized rear calipers have been reported on Teslas that rely heavily on regen and leave the friction brakes unused for long periods. Finally, inspect the underbody visually for any corrosion on the aluminium subframe mounting points and ensure the high-voltage cable routing under the car shows no chafing or damage from debris, completing the picture alongside the largely positive MOT history.