2016 Nissan Leaf Electric · SR16 BHP

The 2016 Nissan Leaf presents a mixed mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 1 August 2025. The vehicle passed that test, but only after a failure the previous day on 31 July 2025 at the same recorded mileage of 85,066 miles. The initial failure flagged a parking brake efficiency deficiency and a binding nearside rear service brake, both of which were rectified before the pass. This pattern suggests reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but concerning, with recurring advisories pointing to persistent corrosion and wear issues that have not been permanently resolved, merely patched between test dates. The mileage accumulation is consistent with typical use for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 8,500 miles per year. The record shows 74,538 miles in May 2023, rising to 80,650 miles by July 2024, and reaching 85,066 miles by mid-2025. This steady progression indicates regular daily use rather than prolonged standing, which is relevant because it means the vehicle's corrosion issues are occurring under normal operating conditions rather than from dormancy. The gap between the July 2024 and August 2025 tests is approximately one year, consistent with annual testing cycles, and there are no suspicious mileage reversals or large unexplained jumps in the data. The most persistent theme across the record is corrosion affecting both structural and braking components. Front and rear sub-frame corrosion has appeared repeatedly since at least July 2024, consistently noted as not seriously weakened but still present. Brake pipe corrosion, particularly on the nearside front, has been flagged in three consecutive test cycles dating back to May 2023, with the July 2024 failure recording an excessively corroded offside front pipe. A buyer should inspect the sub-frames closely for any progression beyond surface corrosion, paying particular attention to mounting points and where the suspension arms attach. The front brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in the 2025 test, and the nearside rear service brake was binding on two separate occasions, so a thorough brake inspection including caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanisms is essential. Suspension wear is another recurring concern. Both front suspension arm pins or bushes have been flagged as worn in the last two consecutive tests, though not yet to the point of excessive movement. This is a progressive wear item that typically worsens over time and will likely require replacement in the near term. The July 2024 failure also revealed multiple tyre structural failures and a distorted rear wheel, suggesting the previous owner allowed tyre condition to deteriorate significantly before addressing it. A prospective buyer should check the current tyre date codes, sidewall condition, and wheel rim integrity, while also verifying that the front suspension bushes have not deteriorated further since the August 2025 pass.