2022 Nissan Leaf Electric · AJ72 BWD

The 2022 Nissan Leaf has achieved a clean roadworthiness status following its most recent MOT on 2025-10-27, which passed with one advisory noted. While the vehicle cleared the regulatory threshold, the single advisory item focuses on the front tyres, specifically noting that the offside front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and exhibits edge wear along the contact patch. This represents the primary mechanical concern identified during the latest inspection and suggests that the tyre compound or tyre pressure management may require attention before the next service interval, even though the overall MOT outcome was favourable. At 11,123 miles after approximately four years on the road, the Leaf accumulates roughly 2,781 miles annually, a rate substantially below typical daily commuting patterns for such an age. Such low mileage accumulation could indicate infrequent use, extended periods of storage, or a lifestyle where the vehicle is primarily parked rather than regularly driven. From a mechanical perspective, this usage pattern implies reduced normal wear on suspension bushings, brake pads, and drivetrain components compared to a heavily used counterpart, though it does not eliminate the importance of monitoring tyre condition and ensuring the vehicle remains operationally ready despite the slower degradation curve. The offside front tyre condition described in the advisory warrants immediate investigation during any test drive. The buyer should pay close attention to whether the tyre tread wears unevenly towards the outer edge of the offside side, which would confirm the reported bias and indicate potential misalignment or excessive lateral force at corners. A proper alignment check should also be performed to verify that the tyre wear pattern is consistent across both sides and that the front axle geometry is within specification, as persistent edge wear often results from camber or caster settings that have drifted out of tolerance. Regarding the overall health of the Leaf, the absence of other MOT failures provides a baseline of acceptable roadworthiness, but the tyre advisory remains the critical actionable item for the prospective buyer. Any further investigation should include a visual inspection of the entire wheel assembly for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges, particularly around the lug nuts and bead seats. Additionally, while the low mileage reduces some concerns about brake pad thickness and drum wear, the buyer should still monitor pad wear indicators and ensure the brake fluid is clear and free of contamination, as the Leaf's regenerative braking system does place additional thermal load on the hydraulic circuit. If the offside front tyre issue persists after addressing alignment and tyre balance, replacement of the affected tyre may be necessary to maintain safe handling characteristics before considering further investment in the vehicle.