NISSAN LEAF (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 807 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 0cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 14 years old, 74% of NISSAN LEAFs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 807 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,543 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,543
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 NISSAN LEAF has 59,543 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.
NISSAN LEAF by Year
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About the 2012 NISSAN LEAF
The 2012 NISSAN LEAF is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 807 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,543 miles at 14 years old, NISSAN LEAF owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 NISSAN LEAF Fuel Costs
The modest 0cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 NISSAN LEAF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN LEAF Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN LEAFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 NISSAN LEAF
At 14 years old, the NISSAN LEAF is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 NISSAN LEAF's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2012 NISSAN LEAF stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN LEAF(2012) | 74% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| TESLA MODEL S(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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