Tesla Model S (2017)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,328 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,160

£97/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

Electric

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1,160/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Electric9 years old5,328 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Electricity

Home charging at about 7.5p a mile

£555

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,160

Per month£97/mo

Per week£22/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on Tesla Model Ss from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 5,328 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,112 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2017 models362nd of 540(bottom half)

Rank among Tesla models43rd of 55(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2017 models average-1%(87% avg)

vs Tesla average-3%(89% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,112

Average miles

51,800

Expected for age

The average 2017 Tesla Model S had 76,112 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2017 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Tesla Model S by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	32	50,356 mi
2019	89%	1,518	59,743 mi
2018	88%	3,785	64,976 mi
2017	86%	5,328	76,112 mi
2016	85%	4,922	94,004 mi
2015	82%	2,760	99,755 mi
2014	79%	1,157	106,839 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volvo XC90

2018 · Electric

£1,160/year

89%

+3%

Hyundai Kona

2019 · Electric

£1,010/year

92%

+6%

Jaguar I-Pace

2019 · Electric

£1,010/year

94%

+8%

Mercedes B-Class

2015 · Electric

£980/year

86%

same

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About the 2017 Tesla Model S

The 2017 Tesla Model S is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 5,328 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 76,112 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Tesla Model S owners cover more miles than the average driver.

What does it cost to own a 2017 Tesla Model S?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,160 (£97/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Tesla Model S Reliability Trend

Newer Tesla Model Ss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2017 Tesla Model S

At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 5,328 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Battery Degradation

Watch out

After 9 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.

Charging Port

Medium risk

Charging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.

Software Updates

Medium risk

Older EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.

12V Auxiliary Battery

Medium risk

EVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2017 Tesla Model S stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Tesla Model S(2017)	86%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160
Volvo XC90(2018)	89%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160same
Hyundai Kona(2019)	92%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010-£150
Jaguar I-Pace(2019)	94%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010-£150
Mercedes B-Class(2015)	86%	£555	£20	n/a	£980-£180

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2017 Tesla Model S

Is the 2017 Tesla Model S reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2017 Tesla Model Ss ended in a pass, from 5,328 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2017 Tesla Model S cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,160 a year (£97 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Tesla Model S?

86% of 5,328 MOT tests on the 2017 Tesla Model S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 362nd of 540 models first registered in 2017 (bottom half).

Which year Tesla Model S has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Tesla Model S has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2014 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2017 Tesla Model S?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 Tesla Model S is 76,112 miles, which is above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.