2012 NISSAN QASHQAI1.5L Diesel

The vehicle's current roadworthiness status is technically valid following a pass on 21 February 2026, but the maintenance trend shows signs of recent neglect. The February 2026 failure at 108,136 miles indicates a sudden lapse in basic upkeep, as the tester flagged a split nearside front outer drive shaft CV boot, multiple tyres below legal limits, and critically low brake pads on both axles. The fact that the front brakes were imbalanced by more than 50% suggests a significant wear issue that was only addressed immediately before the passing test. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,700 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, with a notable increase between the February 2024 test at 86,258 miles and the February 2025 test at 99,879 miles, representing over 13,000 miles in a single year. This period of higher usage aligns with the subsequent emergence of the wear-related failures seen in the most recent 2026 inspection. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering components. The history shows a recurring pattern of wear in the suspension arms, bushes, and ball joints, with issues flagged consistently between 2021 and 2023. While these were resolved to pass the MOT, the frequency of these faults suggests the vehicle's chassis and suspension components are reaching the end of their service life. Attention must also be paid to the braking system and drivetrain. Given the 2026 failure involving imbalanced brakes and thin pads, the quality of the recent replacement parts should be verified. The split CV boot noted in February 2026 is a critical item; the buyer should check that the new boot is properly seated and that no grease contamination has damaged the drive shaft joint. Finally, the history of pitted and corroded brake discs since 2022 suggests the vehicle may experience periods of inactivity, so checking for surface rust and seized calipers is advisable.