2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · YC20 HVY

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD has maintained a consistent pass rate across its last four MOT tests, but the April 2026 test reveals a clear trend of worsening tyre wear and emerging suspension/brake advisories. All four tyres were recorded at or near the legal limit—some as low as 1.6mm—with uneven wear patterns, including edge and inside-edge scuffing. The tester also noted slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint and fluctuating brake performance at both front and rear axles, suggesting either worn brake components or a developing issue with the regenerative braking system’s calibration. While no failures were recorded, the recurrence of tyre and brake advisories over the past year indicates deferred maintenance, particularly since the 2024 test showed no defects at all. The vehicle’s mileage—59,634 miles over six years—aligns with typical low-to-moderate usage for its age, averaging around 9,939 miles annually. This pattern is stable, with no sudden spikes or prolonged inactivity; the most recent 15,000-mile jump between March 2025 and April 2026 suggests recent regular use without aggressive driving. The absence of defects in the 2024 test contrasts sharply with the 2025 and 2026 advisories, implying that either the previous owner delayed addressing minor issues or the car’s regenerative braking system may be contributing to uneven brake wear. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the suspension, focusing on the offside front arm ball joint for excessive wear or corrosion, and verifying whether the fluctuating brake advisories persist under test. The tyres, now at legal limits with irregular tread patterns, should be replaced immediately—uneven wear often signals alignment or tracking issues, which could accelerate future wear. Given the Tesla’s reliance on regenerative braking, a diagnostic check for brake caliper binding or software-related brake modulation would be prudent. Structural integrity appears sound, but the recurrence of advisories in consecutive tests suggests the vehicle has not been serviced with the same diligence as its peers.