2017 Nissan Leaf Electric · FD17 AAN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 11 November 2025 with no defects recorded, which indicates a current state of roadworthiness. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend has shifted from a period of multiple advisories and a failure in 2024 to a clean bill of health. The progression of the offside front suspension arm ball joint from a slight play advisory in 2023 to a failure in 2024 suggests that the vehicle is now being maintained more proactively, with the most recent clean pass implying that previous suspension and tyre issues have been addressed. With a recorded mileage of 47,355 miles over approximately nine years, this Nissan Leaf has been used significantly less than the national average, averaging roughly 5,262 miles per year. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the electric drivetrain and interior, it introduces specific risks associated with vehicle standing. Low-usage electric vehicles are particularly prone to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of corrosion on braking surfaces due to the reduced frequency of heavy braking cycles. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system, as the 2022 records highlighted a binding offside rear brake and pitted front discs. Because regenerative braking limits the use of traditional friction brakes, calipers can seize and discs can corrode. During a test drive, listen for any scraping sounds or feel for a lack of deceleration, and check for excessive heat emanating from the wheels after a short drive. Additionally, while the suspension ball joint was replaced in 2024, a slow-speed steer in both directions will help confirm there are no remaining clunks or vibrations through the steering rack. Given the history of tyre perishing and the low annual mileage, a thorough inspection of all tyre sidewalls is essential to identify cracking or dry rot, regardless of the remaining tread depth. You should also verify the health of the 12V auxiliary battery, as these frequently fail in low-mileage electric vehicles and can lead to total vehicle immobilisation. Finally, ensure the service history confirms calendar-based maintenance, specifically the replacement of brake fluid, which degrades over time regardless of the miles driven, to prevent internal corrosion of the braking system.