2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD Electricity · WN70 CVL

The defining mechanical narrative for this Tesla Model S Long Range centres on a pattern of advisories rather than outright failures, with the most recent MOT on 26 August 2026 passing but flagging wear items that point towards a vehicle accumulating fatigue on consumables. Across the four recorded tests from 2023 to 2026, the car has not failed any MOT, and the most recent examination at 104,665 miles recorded a clean pass with no advisory on the front brake discs being excessively worn, the rear brake discs showing similar wear patterns, and both front lower shock absorber bushes showing slight wear. Earlier tests in 2025 and 2023 captured similar concerns around inner-edge tyre wear on the 245/45 r19 fitment, alongside a deteriorated offside front outer CV joint boot flagged as a minor defect. The presence of multiple advisories across consecutive tests suggests a vehicle that has been in active service and is shedding components predictably rather than showing any sudden deterioration or structural concern. The TPMS light advisory from 2023 has not recurred, suggesting the sensor issue was rectified, but the recurring inner-edge tyre wear pattern is worth noting as it may indicate a persistent geometry or suspension-related issue. The mileage accumulation on this vehicle tells a story of consistent, high-intensity driving. At approximately 104,665 miles over six years, the Model S has averaged around 17,444 miles per year, which sits firmly in the high-mileage bracket for a premium electric vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with annual MOTs from 2023 through 2026 indicating continuous road use. High annual mileage on an EV like the Model S Long Range places greater demand on the suspension components, brake discs, and tyres, as the vehicle's weight and instantaneous torque accelerate wear on bushes, ball joints, and rolling components. While the dual-motor configuration and regenerative braking reduce friction-brake usage, the front discs will still accumulate wear from occasional mechanical braking, and the recorded advisories align with this expectation. The consistent year-on-year testing pattern also suggests the vehicle has not been subject to long periods of standing, which for an electric drivetrain means reduced risk of battery degradation from extended inactivity but increased wear on mechanical components from sustained road exposure. For a prospective buyer, the specific items flagged in the MOT history warrant close inspection on a test drive. The front brake disc advisory from the latest test should be confirmed visually and by feel; on a gentle stop from around 30 mph, listen for any pulsation through the brake pedal or vibration through the steering wheel, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their service limit and require machining or replacement. The shock absorber bush advisories on both front lower units are a typical wear item on high-mileage Teslas; during a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, particularly over transitions from tarmac to rough surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering response or excessive body roll through corners. The rear brake disc advisory, like the front, warrants a sensory check under braking. The 2025 advisory on inner-edge tyre wear at both rear wheels, combined with similar wear noted on the nearside front in 2023, suggests a recurring geometry issue; check the current tyres for uneven shoulder wear and consider requesting a four-wheel alignment check before purchase. The minor defect recorded in 2025 for the offside front outer drive shaft CV boot deterioration is worth investigating even though it passed. A deteriorated boot allows grease to escape and moisture to ingress, leading to accelerated joint wear. With the vehicle now at over 104,000 miles and over a year since this advisory was raised, inspect the offside front driveshaft area for any fresh grease deposits on the underside of the engine bay or suspension components, and listen on a test drive for any clicking or clunking from the front of the vehicle during full-lock turns at low speed, which would indicate the CV joint has worn beyond serviceable condition. The tyres themselves should be inspected for age-related cracking in the sidewalls given the high mileage and likely multiple replacement cycles, and the current tread depth measured against the legal 1.6mm limit. Given the consistent high-mileage usage and the pattern of advisories around consumable wear, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the front suspension geometry, brake disc measurements with a micrometer, and a scan of the Tesla-specific systems for any drivetrain or high-voltage battery error codes would be prudent before committing to purchase.