Motoring journalist visits Cleevely Motors to assess ‘UK’s cheapest Tesla’

With over 266,000 miles on the clock and a price tag just under £5,000, a recently acquired Tesla Model S P90D became the star of a new The Late Brake Show episode, and a powerful case study in the realities of used EV ownership.

Motoring journalist and presenter Jonny Smith turned to independent EV specialist Cleevely Motors in Cheltenham to get under the skin of the high-mileage bargain.

In the video, EV servicing pioneer Matt Cleevely guides Jonny through a full inspection of the 2016 Tesla, highlighting common wear and tear issues and performing an in-depth diagnostic check on the battery, charging system, and overall performance.

“It came in with a warning for the battery fuse, something that’s relatively common on the early Model S and easy enough to sort,” said Matt. “The more important things to check was the health of the high-voltage system, suspension condition and confirming that the battery was still delivering usable range.”

Despite the car’s age and mileage, Cleevely’s checks revealed that the Tesla still retains around 76 per cent battery capacity, enough for more than 200 miles of real-world range. It’s an impressive result that challenges the common myth that EV batteries are short-lived.

Cleevely Motors also identified and resolved a series of maintenance items, including suspension joint wear, incorrect headlamp fitting, and the battery pyrofuse replacement, all completed without the need for main dealer intervention.

“Independent specialists like us are well placed to keep EVs on the road,” said Matt. “The tech is solid, but owners need access to honest advice and practical support. That’s exactly what we’re here for.”