2021 Volkswagen ID3 Life Electric · RO21 FDM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 15 June 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the three‑year MOT window the car has shown an improving maintenance pattern: a clean pass in March 2024, a pass with rear‑tyre advisories in March 2025, and a defect‑free result in June 2026, suggesting that any tyre wear identified previously has been addressed and no new issues have emerged. At 60 059 miles the 2021 ID.3 has accumulated roughly 12 000 miles per annum, which is above the average for a five‑year‑old small family hatchback. This level of usage points to a moderate‑to‑high wear rate on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, and the high‑voltage battery cooling system. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear is likely to be progressive rather than intermittent, meaning that components subject to mileage‑related fatigue should be inspected closely. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear tyre condition, as the 2025 advisory highlighted tread approaching the legal minimum and edge wear. Verify tread depth across the width of each tyre, inspect the sidewalls for cracking or perishing that can arise from age, and look for uneven wear that may signal mis‑aligned suspension or worn rear bushings. During a test drive listen for any clunk or thump when applying the brakes or navigating bumps, which could indicate deteriorated rear suspension components or loose wheel bearings. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have sufficient remaining thickness; any shudder or pulsation under braking would merit a closer inspection. Given the vehicle’s electric drivetrain, confirm the health of the high‑voltage battery by requesting a recent battery health report or a diagnostic read‑out that includes state‑of‑charge retention and any degradation warnings. Examine the 12 V auxiliary battery for terminal corrosion and verify that it holds charge, as a weak auxiliary battery can affect electronic systems. Inspect coolant levels and condition in the battery thermal‑management circuit, and ensure that the service book shows regular software updates and coolant changes in line with Volkswagen’s schedule. Finally, look for signs of corrosion on the chassis and underbody, especially around the rear axle and suspension mounting points, as prolonged exposure to moisture can compromise structural integrity even on relatively low‑mileage electric cars.