2023 Nissan Leaf Electric · FD72 OTG

With only a single DVSA test on file, dated 4 March 2026 and resulting in a clean pass with no advisories recorded, the Nissan Leaf presents an essentially unblemished roadworthiness record to date. The first MOT is not legally required until the vehicle's third anniversary of registration, so the 2026 test effectively marks the earliest meaningful statutory inspection for a 2023-plate car, and on this occasion the vehicle cleared every category without examiner comment. The absence of any advisories means there are no flagged wear items, corrosion concerns, or monitored deterioration points to interpret, leaving the prospective buyer with a broadly clean slate from an MOT standpoint. That said, a single pass offers limited longitudinal evidence, so the true mechanical picture will depend heavily on a physical inspection and test drive. At 13,427 recorded miles against an age of roughly three years, the Leaf has covered only about 4,476 miles annually, which is well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This low accumulation is particularly relevant for an electric powertrain because prolonged periods of inactivity, combined with infrequent thermal cycling of the battery pack, can influence long-term cell health and state of degradation, although light use also reduces wear across consumables such as tyres, brake friction material, and suspension components. Brake discs and pads on EVs benefit especially from regenerative braking, so low mileage generally correlates with thicker pad material and minimal disc scoring, though the parking brake mechanism and rear calipers can still seize from under-use. There are no mileage gaps or inconsistencies in the recorded figure to suggest clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the high-voltage battery state of health, which can be read via the Leaf's diagnostic menu or a dedicated OBD tool such as LeafSpy, giving a percentage of remaining capacity compared to when new; any figure significantly below the mid-eighties would warrant closer scrutiny given the low mileage. Tyres should be checked for age-related sidewall cracking rather than simply tread depth, as low-mileage tyres can deteriorate through standing rather than wear. The charging port, high-voltage cabling, and 12V auxiliary battery compartment should be inspected for signs of corrosion or vermin ingress, particularly if the vehicle has spent long stretches stationary. During a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as MacPherson struts and anti-roll bar bushes can deteriorate regardless of mileage on a low-use car left stationary for extended periods. The steering should feel precise without any pulling to either side, and the regenerative braking should engage smoothly without any abrupt deceleration or judder through the pedal. Confirm that the air conditioning system delivers cold air consistently, as compressor and refrigerant issues are common flagged items on Leafs that have seen little use. Finally, verify that all dashboard warning lights extinguish promptly after startup and that the infotainment and driver display functions operate without flicker, as electrical gremlins can develop in vehicles that have spent significant time un-driven.