2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · PP70 ESP

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD presented in the May 2026 MOT at 45,547 miles passed its test, but the record reveals a clear and worsening trend in tyre condition. Four of the five tyres were worn close to the legal minimum of 1.6mm tread depth, with three showing uneven edge wear—a sign of misalignment, underinflation, or suspension issues. The presence of cuts and perishing on the nearside front tyre, combined with a distorted road wheel, suggests the vehicle has not been subject to consistent tyre rotation or wheel balancing. While no major structural or mechanical failures were recorded, the escalation from minor cuts in 2025 to widespread wear and damage in 2026 indicates that basic maintenance has been neglected. The absence of defects in the 2024 test further highlights that these issues have developed rapidly in the past year, raising concerns about how the vehicle has been cared for since then. The mileage accumulation of 9,109 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a five-year-old vehicle, though the data is sparse—only three MOTs are recorded over this period, with no intermediate tests or service history provided. The jump from 32,841 miles in May 2024 to 38,021 miles in May 2025 suggests a relatively stable but low-activity phase, followed by a slight increase in mileage in the past year. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to confirm whether the tyre wear is solely due to driving habits or compounded by neglect. The lack of defects in 2024 implies the vehicle was in good condition at that stage, but the subsequent deterioration points to either inconsistent maintenance or a change in how the car has been used. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing areas to inspect in person are the tyres and wheels. All four tyres should be checked for tread depth, cuts, and perishing, with particular attention to the nearside front, which showed both damage and distortion. The distorted road wheel could indicate a bent rim or suspension issue, potentially affecting alignment and ride quality. Beyond the tyres, the suspension components—such as control arm bushes, coil springs, and track control linkages—should be examined for wear or damage, as uneven tyre wear often stems from alignment problems. While the MOT history does not reveal any brake, exhaust, or structural concerns, a thorough check of the brake system, including caliper condition and disc thickness, is advisable given the vehicle’s age. The absence of advisories or major defects in earlier tests suggests no hidden mechanical risks, but the recent tyre issues demand immediate attention.