2017 Nissan Leaf Electric · ML67 BWA

A pattern of persistent front brake disc deterioration on the inner faces has been flagged at every annual MOT since 2021, with the most recent test on 15 September 2025 confirming the issue remains present though not yet at failure threshold. Each inspection from 2022 onwards has recorded the inner face corrosion or pitting as an advisory, and the appearance of pitted scoring on both front discs at the latest test suggests the wear pattern is stable rather than rapidly worsening. Tyre condition has been similarly intermittent in the record, with advisories for outer edge wear, cracking, and perishing appearing on both front and rear axles over the years, indicating that rubber components have required attention more than once during the vehicle's life. Despite these recurring observations, the car has passed every MOT it has been presented for, with no recorded failures, advisories relating to suspension components, structural corrosion, steering, or exhaust integrity. The overall mechanical story is one of consistent roadworthiness with chronic but minor brake and tyre wear that a buyer should expect to address. At 33,432 recorded miles across nine years, the vehicle has covered approximately 3,715 miles per year on average, which is notably low for its age. This usage profile carries specific implications for an electric vehicle of this type: the traction battery has experienced relatively few full charge and discharge cycles, which is generally favourable for long-term cell degradation, though it should be separately assessed for state of health and any imbalance warning indicators. The low annual mileage also means the braking system has seen limited application, and the persistent inner face disc corrosion observed on the MOT record is consistent with infrequent driving where surface rust from light use and humidity has not been polished away by regular braking effort. Mechanical components such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and wheel bearings will have experienced reduced stress compared to a higher mileage example, though standing periods can allow rubber elements to deteriorate through age rather than wear. There are no gaps in the testing history, with annual tests recorded consecutively from 2021 through 2025, confirming the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a physical inspection of the front brake discs, given that inner face corrosion and pitting has been an advisory at five consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or metallic noise on light brake application, and feel for any vibration or pulsing through the brake pedal that could indicate the corrosion has progressed beyond surface pitting into runout or thickness variation. Inspect both front discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, which would confirm material loss, and check whether the discs have been skimmed or replaced previously, as the MOT record alone does not distinguish between remedied and unresolved advisories. The tyres warrant close scrutiny as well, particularly the nearside front and both rear tyres which have featured in multiple advisories for edge wear and sidewall cracking; check the tread depth across the full width and inspect the sidewalls for any perishing, bulges, or cuts, particularly on the rear axle where cracking advisories have been repeated. Given the low annual mileage, the 12V auxiliary battery should be tested for cranking capability and voltage hold, as low-use vehicles are prone to premature failure of this component which can trigger dashboard warning faults and charging system errors on the Leaf. On the test drive, pay attention to any clunks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower arm links or anti-roll bar bushes, and listen for any binding or rubbing from the front brake calipers given the documented disc corrosion pattern. The steering should feel precise without vibration or pulling, and the regenerative braking should engage and release smoothly without warning lights or inconsistent deceleration. Finally, given this is a 2017 Leaf now approaching nine years of service, the high-voltage traction battery state of health should be independently verified through a diagnostic tool reading, as this is the single most significant value and longevity factor on the vehicle and is not assessed within the MOT framework.