NISSAN LEAF2018 · ELECTRICITY

The 2018 Nissan Leaf presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 17 March 2026 at 43,168 miles with zero defects recorded. This marks a notable shift from earlier years, where tyre condition advisories appeared repeatedly. The most recent test confirms the vehicle currently meets all roadworthiness standards, and the absence of any new or recurring faults suggests attentive upkeep in the past year. The mileage profile tells a clear story of low, consistent use. From the March 2023 test at 24,847 miles to the March 2026 test at 43,168 miles, the car covered 18,321 miles over three years, averaging roughly 6,107 miles annually. This is modest for an eight-year-old vehicle and aligns with the sub-5,400-mile annualised lifetime average. The steady accumulation, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps between tests, indicates regular rather than sporadic use. Long periods of inactivity can sometimes cause flat-spotting on tyres or moisture ingress in brake and suspension components, so a test drive should verify smooth rolling and dry, corrosion-free underpinnings. The recurring theme in this record is tyre condition. Between the failed test on 3 March 2023 and the advisory on 18 March 2024, the nearside rear tyre was flagged twice for cracking or perishing, while the March 2023 failure also identified a deep cut exposing ply or cords on the offside rear and damage on the nearside front. Three separate tyre defects in a single year points to either deferred replacement or exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as prolonged UV, temperature swings, or kerbing damage. The subsequent clean passes suggest the owner eventually replaced the affected tyres, but a buyer should still inspect all four sidewalls carefully for age-related perishing, especially if the car has been stationary for extended periods. Beyond tyres, the Leaf's electric drivetrain and regenerative braking system demand specific attention. With no mechanical defects flagged in recent years, the high-voltage battery health, charging port condition, and brake system balance between regenerative and friction braking remain the key items to verify in person. The rear brake calipers and discs on EVs can seize due to light use, so a road test should confirm smooth, drag-free deceleration. Suspension bushes and coil springs, while not flagged, deserve a visual check for corrosion given the vehicle's age and the potential for standing idle.