Nissan Leaf (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 14,322 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,010
£84/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1,010/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Nissan brand average of 81%.
92% of MOT tests on Nissan Leafs from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 14,322 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 31,908 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
31,908
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Nissan Leaf had 31,908 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2020 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Nissan Leaf by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 Nissan Leaf
The 2020 Nissan Leaf is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 14,322 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 31,908 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Leaf owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2020 Nissan Leaf?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,010 (£84/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Nissan Leaf Reliability Trend
Newer Nissan Leafs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2020 Nissan Leaf
At 6 years old, the Nissan Leaf offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 14,322 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 6 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
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 2020 Nissan Leaf stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf(2020) | 92% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
| Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010same |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd(2020) | 87% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2020 Nissan Leaf
Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2020 Nissan Leafs ended in a pass, from 14,322 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Nissan Leaf cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,010 a year (£84 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Nissan Leaf?
92% of 14,322 MOT tests on the 2020 Nissan Leaf ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1197th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (top half).
Which year Nissan Leaf has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2013 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 Nissan Leaf?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Nissan Leaf is 31,908 miles, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
Nissan Qashqai
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
Nissan Juke
2015 · 1461cc Diesel
Nissan Note
2014 · 1461cc Diesel
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd
2021 · Electric
Jaguar I-Pace
2020 · Electric
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +
2021 · Electric
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