2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · GU18 AAO

The vehicle's most recent MOT outcome is a pass recorded on 4 November 2025, which follows immediately after a fail on the same date for a dangerous front brake pad defect and a major windscreen washer issue. While the immediate pass is reassuring, the overall trend across the MOT history warrants careful attention. Front brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin on every annual test since 2022, culminating in the November 2025 dangerous failure where the friction material was found to be less than 1.5 mm thick. This represents a clear progressive deterioration rather than a stable pattern. Additionally, front brake discs were noted as worn in 2025, and front tyres have appeared repeatedly in advisory and major defect categories across multiple tests for edge wear, cuts, cracking and perishing. The recurrence of these issues around the front axle suggests either heavy front-loading typical of a front-wheel-drive family crossover, aggressive driving style, or potentially seized caliper mechanisms preventing even pad wear. With 60,944 miles recorded over eight years, annual mileage of approximately 7,600 miles is broadly typical for a vehicle of this type and age, indicating consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no obvious extended standing periods in the MOT record, which is positive as prolonged inactivity commonly leads to brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and 12V battery degradation. The consistent yearly MOT entries suggest the vehicle has been in regular service, allowing mechanical components to remain functionally exercised. That said, at this cumulative mileage, wear-prone items such as suspension components, anti-roll bar bushes, drive shafts, and timing chain hardware should be approaching the upper end of their expected service life for a petrol Qashqai of this generation. Given the recurring front brake and front tyre advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused test drive paying particular attention to any juddering or vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would indicate disc runout or uneven pad deposition. Listen for any scraping, grinding or squealing from the front brakes on initial application, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side which could signify a binding or seized caliper. On a physical inspection, measure front brake disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification using a micrometer, as the 2025 advisory suggests they are already worn, and verify that the front pads have been replaced recently with quality components. Inspect the front tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking or perishing particularly given the advisory pattern over consecutive tests, and confirm wheel alignment is within tolerance as camber or tracking irregularities will accelerate front tyre wear. Beyond the recurring advisories, age-appropriate checks should include verifying the timing chain operation by listening for any rattle on cold start from the engine bay, and ensuring all coolant, brake fluid and automatic or manual gearbox oil have been replaced on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. Examine the underside and suspension arms for any corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear axle and subframe mounting points which can suffer on Qashqais of this era. Check the 12V battery state of health and confirm recent replacement, as battery failures are common on vehicles of this age regardless of mileage. Finally, verify that the service history includes regular oil and filter renewals at appropriate intervals, inspect the exhaust system for any corrosion or blowing joints, and ensure the air conditioning system continues to function effectively, as compressor and condenser replacements on this model can prove costly. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician with the vehicle raised on a ramp would be strongly advisable given the brake wear pattern observed.