2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DF16 AAU

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 December 2025 resulted in a PASS, although the vehicle carried forward five advisories from a previous failure just two days earlier. The earlier test on 16 December 2025 was failed solely on a major defect concerning an inoperative front windscreen washer, which is a relatively straightforward rectification and does not reflect any underlying mechanical or structural concern. Considering the broader pattern across the four recorded tests, the maintenance trajectory is broadly stable rather than worsening; however, the accumulation of recurring advisories, particularly those relating to tyres, seat belt webbing, and front suspension components, does suggest that the vehicle is being maintained to a pass standard but with several wear items now approaching or at the threshold of failure. With recorded mileage of 136,395 miles over approximately ten years, this Qashqai is averaging around 13,640 miles per annum, which is notably high for its age and indicates sustained, regular use rather than long periods of standing. Such annual mileage is consistent with motorway commuting or fleet-style operation and points to proportionate wear on major mechanical assemblies including the clutch, dual-clutch transmission if fitted, turbocharger, braking system, and suspension components. There are no significant mileage gaps evident in the MOT history, which reduces the risk of standing-related degradation such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or dried rubber seals, but the high accumulation of miles means consumables will have been worked considerably harder than on a lower mileage equivalent of the same age. Several advisories warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The offside front tyre has been repeatedly flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, which suggests an underlying geometry or suspension issue rather than simple tread wear; on a test drive, listen for any uneven road noise from the front tyres and inspect for feathering or scalloping on the inner or outer shoulder. The nearside front seat belt webbing has been noted as slightly frayed on two consecutive tests, so physically examine the belt for cuts, pulled threads, or stiffness that may indicate the retractor mechanism is also ageing, and be aware that a damaged belt is a safety-critical item which would fail an MOT at a more advanced stage of deterioration. The nearside and offside rear tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing, which on a ten-year-old vehicle is as much an age-related rubber degradation issue as a wear issue; inspect the sidewalls and tread blocks carefully for hairline cracks, particularly in the flex zone, and budget for a full set if any perishing is visible. The advisory concerning slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint is mechanically significant, as it indicates wear in the front lower control arm assembly; on test drive, listen for a clonking or knocking noise over speed humps, rough surfaces, and when turning at low speed, and check for uneven inner tyre wear which would confirm the joint is on its way out. Given the high recorded mileage and the age of the vehicle, several additional inspections are strongly advised regardless of the MOT record. The timing chain or cam belt service interval should be verified in the service history, as the Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T and 1.3 DIG-T petrol engines in particular are known to be sensitive to stretched timing chains at this mileage, and a cold-start listening for any rattle from the front of the engine is worthwhile. The cooling system, including the radiator, thermostat, and water pump, should be examined for leaks, and the condition of the coolant itself checked, as extended-life coolant degrades with calendar age as well as mileage. The 12V battery is now ten years old and almost certainly due for replacement; a weak battery can cause erratic behaviour in modern Nissan electrical systems including infotainment, TPMS, and throttle response. Finally, the braking system should be inspected for worn discs and pads given the high mileage, the rear drum or disc calipers checked for smooth operation rather than binding, and the underbody examined for corrosion or oil leaks from the engine, gearbox, and differential seals, all of which are areas where proactive inspection will reveal considerably more than the MOT history alone.