2016 Nissan Leaf Electric · LS66 FGD

The latest MOT test on 23 September 2024 resulted in a failure due to excessive wear in both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints. When reviewing the overall maintenance trend, the vehicle appears to be entering a phase of increasing mechanical decline. While the car maintained a stable passing record between 2019 and 2023, the recent failure of critical suspension components, coupled with a recurring history of minor defects such as windscreen damage and frayed seat belt webbing, suggests a shift toward reactive maintenance rather than a proactive servicing regime. The recorded mileage of 103,349 miles over approximately ten years indicates an average annual usage of roughly 10,335 miles. This is considered typical for the vehicle's age and suggests consistent use rather than long periods of standing. However, surpassing the 100,000-mile threshold generally coincides with the natural wear-out period for various rubber bushings, suspension mounts, and other consumables. The mechanical implications of this mileage are evident in the recent suspension failures, as the chassis components have reached a point of significant fatigue. Prospective buyers must verify that the front lower suspension arm ball joints were replaced with high-quality components following the 2024 failure. During a test drive, listen specifically for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring, as these are primary symptoms of worn ball joints or degraded suspension bushes. Furthermore, the history of a distorted inner rim on the nearside front wheel warrants a close inspection; check for any steering wheel vibration or shimmy at higher speeds, which could indicate a permanent wheel imbalance or residual alignment issues. Particular attention should be paid to the braking system and tyres. Previous advisories regarding heavily corroded inner brake disc faces and a damaged handbrake cable suggest that the friction brakes may have suffered from under-use or environmental corrosion, a common occurrence in electric vehicles due to regenerative braking. Inspect the discs for deep pitting and ensure the handbrake operates smoothly and holds the vehicle firmly on an incline. Finally, given the repeated advisories for tyre cuts and sidewall damage, a thorough physical inspection of all tyre sidewalls is necessary to ensure there are no structural bulges or perishing that could compromise safety.