2012 Nissan Leaf Electricity · SA62 RUC

This 2012 Nissan Leaf currently holds a valid MOT that passed on 29 May 2026 at 71,007 miles, but the record reveals a worsening mechanical trend rather than a stable one. The most recent test followed a failure on the same day at 71,004 miles, where the tester flagged a worn and scored offside rear brake disc alongside a severely deteriorated nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. Critically, the failure also identified an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, a defect that was absent from the subsequent pass. This suggests a repair was carried out between the two tests within hours, which raises questions about the quality and longevity of that fix. The pattern across the last three years shows recurring suspension and braking faults, indicating the car has entered a phase of accelerated component deterioration. At roughly 14 years old with 71,007 miles, this Leaf has covered approximately 5,072 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. The mileage progression supports this: it stood at 62,893 miles in May 2024 and 67,159 miles in May 2025, representing an increase of 4,266 miles over twelve months. The jump from May 2025 to May 2026 added 3,848 miles, confirming a consistent but light annual usage pattern. Such low mileage typically reduces wear on drivetrain and braking components, yet this car has repeatedly failed on brake discs and suspension joints, suggesting prolonged stationary periods may have contributed to surface corrosion on brake components and perishing of rubber dust covers rather than mileage-driven wear. The recurring failure points demand close physical inspection. The front suspension area is the primary concern, given that both the nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint have been flagged within weeks of each other. A buyer should have the front end raised to check for play in the lower ball joints, inspect the anti-roll bar links for excessive movement, and examine the condition of all ball joint gaiters, as deteriorated covers accelerate joint wear through contamination. The offside rear brake disc was noted as worn and scored in both the May 2026 failure and pass, meaning the disc surface remains compromised. Inspect the disc thickness and scoring depth, and check the caliper for binding, as a sticking caliper can cause uneven disc wear and recurring MOT advisories. The May 2025 failure on the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, combined with the nearside failure in May 2026, indicates the front anti-roll bar linkage assembly is a systemic weak point across both sides. Tyre wear advisories appeared in 2025 on both front tyres, worn close to the legal limit and on the edges, which points to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry components. A buyer should verify tyre condition and request a four-wheel alignment check. The 2024 test flagged rear brake disc wear as an advisory, and the 2026 test moved that concern to the offside rear disc specifically, suggesting the rear braking system has been degrading progressively. Inspect all four brake discs for lipping and scoring, check pad thickness, and test the handbrake function on a gradient. The windscreen washer failure in May 2025 was minor and resolved, but it confirms basic fluid checks were overlooked at that time, reinforcing the impression of inconsistent preventative maintenance.