TESLA MODEL S (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,785 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1555/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 88% of TESLA MODEL Ss from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,785 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 64,976 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
64,976
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 TESLA MODEL S has 64,976 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2018 sits between the two at 88%.
TESLA MODEL S by Year
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About the 2018 TESLA MODEL S
The 2018 TESLA MODEL S is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 3,785 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 64,976 miles at 8 years old, TESLA MODEL S owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 TESLA MODEL S Fuel Costs
The modest 0cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 TESLA MODEL S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TESLA MODEL S Reliability Trend
Newer TESLA MODEL Ss show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 TESLA MODEL S
At 8 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 TESLA MODEL S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock 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 riskAlways 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 2018 TESLA MODEL S stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESLA MODEL S(2018) | 88% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1555 |
| NISSAN LEAF(2020) | 92% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£155 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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