2022 Tesla Model 3 Electric · WN72 YDL

The defining mechanical event in this Tesla Model 3's recorded history is a single MOT failure dated 12 November 2025, where the offside front tyre was found to have ply or cords exposed, a categorised as Dangerous defect that would have rendered the vehicle unroadworthy in its tested state. Two days later, on 14 November 2025, the car returned and passed with no defects recorded, indicating the offending tyre was replaced before retest. While the immediate outcome is now favourable, the failure itself demonstrates that the front tyres on this vehicle have been subjected to uneven wear, as evidenced by the accompanying advisory on the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and devoid of tread on the inside edge. That pairing of defects on a single axle points toward a geometry or suspension issue rather than simple age-related wear, and any prospective buyer should treat the front tyre condition as a live mechanical concern rather than a resolved one. With 41,404 miles recorded across roughly four years of life, the vehicle is averaging approximately 10,351 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a car of this age and type. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record suggesting long periods off the road, and no evidence in the data of mileage stagnation or unusually rapid accumulation between tests. This steady, moderate rate of use is consistent with regular commuter or mixed-purpose driving and means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension bushes should be progressing at a predictable pace. Given the front-end tyre wear already flagged, however, the mileage alone does not tell the full story, as the pattern of wear suggests the tyres themselves are being worked harder than the annual mileage would imply. Given that the only recorded MOT issues centre on the front tyres and the manner in which they have worn, a test drive should focus squarely on the front suspension and steering geometry. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front corners when traversing speed bumps or potholes, particularly from the anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, and lower control arms, as worn components here are a common cause of the inside-edge tyre wear pattern that was advisories. Pay attention to steering behaviour: any pulling to one side under steady throttle, a vagueness around the straight-ahead position, or a reluctance to self-centre after a turn would suggest that the wheel alignment has been compromised or that suspension geometry is no longer holding true. Also inspect the tyres physically before driving, confirming that the inside shoulder is not feathered or stepped relative to the outer tread, as this would confirm that whatever caused the advisory remains unresolved despite the subsequent replacement. Finally, the brake system should be examined closely on the test drive even though no braking defects were recorded. Given the visible evidence of aggressive front-tyre wear, the calipers, discs, and pads on the front axle may have been working harder than necessary, which can lead to binding calipers, uneven pad deposition, and hot-spotted or lipped discs. On the road, feel for any judder through the brake pedal under light or moderate pressure, any pulling to one side under braking, and any continuous drag after release that might indicate a sticking caliper piston. With the vehicle stationary and the wheel turned to full lock, a visual check behind the front wheels for uneven pad wear or a glazed disc surface would be prudent. Together with a four-wheel alignment check and a close inspection of the front tyres for inside-edge wear, these measures will establish whether the underlying cause of the November 2025 failure has been fully addressed or whether it remains an unresolved mechanical risk.