TESLA MODEL S (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,405
£117/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
476cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1405/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 91% of TESLA MODEL Ss from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,356 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
50,356
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 TESLA MODEL S has 50,356 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2020 sits between the two at 91%.
TESLA MODEL S by Year
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About the 2020 TESLA MODEL S
The 2020 TESLA MODEL S is a city car with a 476cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 50,356 miles at 6 years old, TESLA MODEL S owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 TESLA MODEL S Fuel Costs
The modest 476cc 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 2020 TESLA MODEL S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,405 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 TESLA MODEL S
At 6 years old, the TESLA MODEL S offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 TESLA MODEL S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2020 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(2020) | 91% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1405 |
| NISSAN LEAF(2021) | 94% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
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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