2018 Nissan Leaf Electric · L900 PEM

Rear‑brake pad wear and an expired spare‑tyre inflation canister are the only recurring advisories across the MOT history, while every test since 2021 has otherwise recorded no defects; the most recent pass on 30 March 2026 confirms the car continues to meet the statutory safety standards despite those wear items edging toward service limits. At 40,492 mi the 2018 Leaf averages just over 5,000 mi per year, a mileage level that is low for its age. Such modest annual accumulation typically reduces the rate of wear on consumables such as brake pads, tyres and suspension bushings, but it can also mean the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary, a condition that can promote corrosion on brake components and the chassis if stored in a damp environment. The MOT record shows no gaps longer than a year, indicating the car has been regularly inspected despite the low use. When you inspect the car, focus first on the rear braking system: listen for any squealing or grinding under moderate braking, feel for a soft or spongy pedal, and verify that the pad thickness is still within safe limits. The 2024 advisory about the off‑side rear tyre being close to the legal tread limit warrants a visual check of tread depth and uniformity; uneven wear could point to alignment or suspension issues that should be confirmed by a test‑drive feel for pulling to one side. The seat‑adjustment failure recorded in 2023 should be exercised on the road – ensure the driver’s seat moves smoothly fore and aft and locks securely, as a stuck mechanism can affect ergonomics and safety. Finally, replace the expired spare‑tyre inflation canister before relying on the spare, and budget for rear‑brake pad replacement given the “thin” advisory that has persisted for two consecutive years. A thorough visual inspection of the brake discs for scoring, and a check of the tyre sidewalls for any cracking or bulging, will help confirm that the low‑mileage usage has not masked emerging wear. If these items are addressed, the car’s MOT record suggests it remains road‑worthy, but the buyer should allocate funds for the identified wear‑items to avoid unexpected out‑of‑cycle repairs.