2018 Nissan Leaf Electric · YN18 RYV

A persistent pattern of front-tyre edge wear dominates the mechanical record of this Nissan Leaf, surfacing as advisories at the 2021, 2024, and 2026 tests, with both nearside and offside front tyres flagged on three separate occasions. The most recent assessment on 13 July 2026 recorded a pass alongside advisory notices for both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges, and the 2024 test similarly noted edge wear on both front positions plus an explicit comment about edgers wearing. No structural defects, brake concerns, suspension component failures, or corrosion advisories have appeared across the five recorded tests, and only one advisory category outside of tyres has ever been logged: a minor defect for a defective nearside front wiper blade at the 2023 test, which reappeared in identical form at the 2021 test. The absence of any advisory categories related to underbody integrity, brake pipe condition, or steering and suspension wear items over an eight-year testing window indicates that the chassis and running gear have not yet developed the kind of corrosion or component degradation commonly seen on vehicles of comparable age. Recorded mileage of 80,695 miles across an eight-year life equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 10,000 miles, which sits squarely within normal usage parameters for a privately owned electric hatchback of this era. The test dates are evenly distributed at roughly annual to biannual intervals, with no multi-year gaps that would suggest extended standing off-road, and there is no evidence of an unusual mileage jump or stagnation between successive tests. The consistency of use is mechanically significant for a Leaf because regular driving keeps the lithium-ion traction battery within a healthy state-of-charge cycling range and prevents prolonged deep discharge, while the absence of long lay-up periods avoids the brake disc corrosion and seizure issues that frequently plague low-use vehicles. The mileage level is sufficient to expect normal wear on friction surfaces and consumables, which is reflected in the tyre advisories, but it is not high enough to predict imminent failures in major EV-specific components such as the inverter, onboard charger, or reduction gear. For a prospective buyer, the tyre wear pattern warrants the closest physical attention during a pre-purchase inspection. Repeated edge wear on both front tyres typically points to incorrect wheel alignment, most commonly excessive negative camber or a tracking issue at the front axle, and it can also indicate worn or softened front suspension bushes, drooping coil springs, or a bent component following an unseen kerb impact. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, and check for uneven steering return. Inspect all four tyres for matching brand, size, and tread depth, and examine the sidewalls for any bulging or feathering across the tread blocks. Because the same advisories have appeared across multiple tests, it is worth asking whether four-wheel alignment has ever been carried out, as uncorrected geometry will simply consume another pair of front tyres within a matter of months. Beyond the tyre concerns, the test drive should focus on the items that commonly affect Leafs in this mileage bracket. Check that the brake pedal feels firm and that the car rolls smoothly without any dragging sensation, as electric vehicles are particularly prone to binding rear calipers due to infrequent use of the mechanical brake system. Listen for any whining, humming, or clicking from the front axle area during low-speed manoeuvres, which can indicate reduction gear wear or CV joint deterioration. Confirm that the windscreen wiper blades are relatively new or operating cleanly, given the repeated minor defects recorded, and verify that the charging port door, cable, and onboard charger function correctly. Finally, request a battery state-of-health report from a dealer or specialist tool such as LeafSpy, as the MOT record cannot reveal the present condition of the traction battery, which remains the single most consequential mechanical component on any used Leaf regardless of its test history.