2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · KO14 AAU

The 2014 Nissan Qashqai most recently passed its MOT on 26 November 2025, maintaining a continuous record of pass certificates since at least December 2022 and demonstrating that the vehicle remains fundamentally roadworthy at 81,943 miles. The maintenance trend across the recorded tests appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating, although the most recent examination introduced a new advisory relating to slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint. The previous two annual tests carried no advisories or defects at all, indicating that the early issues around headlamp aim and front tyre condition noted in December 2022 were promptly rectified and have not recurred. Overall, the trajectory suggests consistent maintenance, though the latest advisory should be treated as an early warning of developing front suspension wear rather than a passing concern. Annual mileage averages approximately 6,829 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a family crossover of this age and consistent with moderate mixed use including urban, suburban, and occasional longer journeys. The MOT history itself does not reveal any substantial gaps in usage, with tests recorded annually from late 2022 through to late 2025, implying the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than being left standing for prolonged periods. At this accumulated mileage, mechanical wear on consumables such as brake pads, tyres, clutches (if applicable), and drivetrain mounts should be progressing naturally, and the relatively modest annual usage means components have not been subjected to the accelerated wear associated with very high-mileage operation. The mileage alone does not raise immediate concerns, though it is sufficient that age-related degradation of rubber, fluids, and electrical components should now be a priority during inspection. The advisory recorded at the 2025 test regarding slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint is the single most important item to address before purchase. Ball joint deterioration on Qashqais of this age typically progresses from minor play into pronounced looseness, manifesting during operation as clonks transmitted through the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when applying the brakes. Beyond audible symptoms, uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer shoulder of the offside front tyre, is a reliable secondary indicator of advancing ball joint wear. A prospective buyer should request that the ball joint be physically inspected for free play with the wheel loaded, and budget for replacement of the arm or joint in the near term if play is confirmed, as MOT failure criteria will apply once the play exceeds permissible limits. Several age-related items warrant practical inspection irrespective of the MOT history, given that the vehicle is now approximately twelve years old. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as older rubber compounds deteriorate from age even where tread depth remains legal; date-of-manufacture DOT markings on the sidewall should be reviewed and replacements considered if the tyres are beyond six to seven years of age. The 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested, as a failing battery can produce intermittent electrical faults and starting issues rather than complete failure. Brake discs, particularly those fitted to a vehicle of this age and mileage, should be checked for corrosion pitting on the friction surface and for evidence of seizing or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stood for extended periods. Finally, calendar-based servicing should be verified through the service book and invoices, including confirmation that brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) have been renewed at their recommended intervals, as these degrade with time irrespective of mileage and are frequently overlooked on older vehicles.