NISSAN LEAF (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,129 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1555/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 8 years old, 89% of NISSAN LEAFs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,129 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,702 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
51,702
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 NISSAN LEAF has 51,702 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
NISSAN LEAF by Year
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About the 2018 NISSAN LEAF
The 2018 NISSAN LEAF is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 8,129 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 51,702 miles at 8 years old, NISSAN LEAF owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 NISSAN LEAF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2018 NISSAN LEAF
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 8,129 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 NISSAN LEAF's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 89% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1555 |
| TESLA MODEL S(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1550-£5 |
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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