NISSAN LEAF (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 6,801 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 0cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 80% of NISSAN LEAFs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 6,801 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,156 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,156
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 NISSAN LEAF has 59,156 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 80%.
NISSAN LEAF by Year
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About the 2016 NISSAN LEAF
The 2016 NISSAN LEAF is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 6,801 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,156 miles at 10 years old, NISSAN LEAF owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 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 2016 NISSAN LEAF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2016 NISSAN LEAF
At 10 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%. With 6,801 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 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 2016 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(2016) | 80% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| TESLA MODEL S(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1550+£170 |
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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