2017 Nissan Leaf Electricity · FX66 OTF

Persistent braking system degradation and tyre wear issues define this vehicle's recent mechanical history. The front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored for three consecutive years, indicating a long-term wear pattern that has not been fully resolved. This trend culminated in the most recent MOT on 12 February 2026, where the vehicle initially failed due to a dangerous structural defect—a bulge in the nearside front tyre—before passing on the same day after the immediate safety hazard was rectified. However, the latest pass was still issued with outstanding advisories for thin offside rear brake pads and the ongoing wear on the front brake discs, demonstrating that while legally roadworthy, the vehicle has lingering service items that require attention. At 95,171 miles over approximately nine years, this Nissan Leaf has accumulated roughly 10,575 miles per year, which represents a typical usage profile for a UK passenger car of this age. For an electric vehicle, this consistent mileage suggests regular daily commuting or mixed driving cycles rather than prolonged periods of inactivity. Mechanically, approaching the 100,000-mile threshold means that original chassis components, such as suspension bushes, dampers, and steering joints, are nearing the end of their typical service life. The inherent weight of an electric vehicle's battery pack places additional load on these suspension elements and accelerates tyre wear, which aligns with the multiple tyre-related advisories and failures recorded in 2025 and 2026. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the braking system during a physical inspection and test drive. The front brake discs have been noted as worn and pitted on their inner surfaces since January 2024, and the offside rear pads are now wearing thin. On the test drive, you should feel for any pulsation or judder through the brake pedal under moderate braking, which would confirm the discs are warped or excessively worn. Listen for grinding or squealing noises, particularly from the rear offside, which indicates the pads are near metal-on-metal contact. Because regenerative braking in electric vehicles often means mechanical brakes are used less frequently, a visual check through the wheel spokes is essential to assess the actual level of corrosion and pitting on both the inner and outer faces of the discs. Additionally, the tyre history reveals a pattern of uneven or advanced wear, with edge wear noted on the front offside and rear nearside in 2025, followed by the structural bulge failure on the nearside front in 2026. During the inspection, check all four tyres for matching brands, adequate tread depth across the entire width, and any signs of sidewall damage or cracking. On the road, pay attention to any steering pull to one side or an off-centre steering wheel, which suggests wheel misalignment—a common cause of the edge wear previously flagged. Listen for clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces, as these symptoms point to worn suspension control arm bushes or anti-roll bar links that may be fatigued by the vehicle's mileage and weight.