1997 Nissan Patrol 2.8L Diesel · P836 CBW

A pattern of mixed electrical and front-axle concerns sits at the heart of this 1997 Nissan Patrol's roadworthiness record, with the most recent test on 16 April 2025 returning a clean pass and no advisories or defects recorded. This latest outcome continues a broadly improving trend following the single failure dated 3 April 2023, which raised several Major items relating to Offside Front suspension and lighting. The vehicle subsequently passed its 12 April 2023 retest with no defects, suggesting the steering and lighting defects were rectified effectively. A solitary advisory issued on 8 April 2024 concerning items left on the back seat is irrelevant to mechanical condition and can be disregarded. Across the visible history from 2022 to 2025, there are no advisories pointing to corrosion, brake wear, exhaust deterioration, fluid leaks, or structural concerns, which is a reassuring baseline for a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileage of 178,887 against an approximate 29-year service life equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,169 miles, a figure that sits close to typical UK averages for older utility vehicles and indicates consistent, moderate use rather than extensive touring or commercial application. There are no obvious gaps between consecutive MOT tests that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for extended periods, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady. For a chassis and drivetrain originally engineered for heavy-duty work, this level of usage is unlikely to have caused extreme wear on major mechanical assemblies, although consumables such as bushes, dampers, and brake components will inevitably have been replaced multiple times. The absence of any mileage-correlated advisories in the MOT record supports the impression that wear items have been attended to as required. For a prospective buyer, attention should focus squarely on the components flagged in the 2023 failure, particularly the Offside Front wheel bearing, track rod end ball joint, and the indicator and headlamp circuitry. On a test drive, listen for any humming, drone, or roughness from the front hubs that intensifies with speed and varies when cornering, as this would suggest renewed wheel bearing wear. With the engine running on a level surface, check for any clunking or vibration through the steering wheel when turning lock to lock or traversing uneven ground, which can indicate perished or worn front suspension linkages, anti-roll bar bushes, or renewed play in the steering ball joints. Inspect the Offside Front tyre for uneven inner-edge wear, a classic symptom of compromised steering geometry. Given the electrical nature of the 2023 Major defects, a thorough electrical inspection is warranted. Verify operation of all four direction indicators including the hazard warning switch, and confirm that both headlamps deliver full main beam, as intermittent switch or relay faults can recur. Examine the Offside Front headlamp connector and associated wiring for signs of water ingress, corrosion, or aftermarket repairs, which are common failure points on older vehicles. With the vehicle stationary, observe the Offside Front wheel for any rocking play when grasped at the top and bottom, which would confirm bearing or suspension joint deterioration. Finally, because the MOT history does not record brake disc, pad, or pipe inspections in any detail for a vehicle now approaching three decades of service, a manual inspection of brake component condition, flexible hose integrity, and the underside for any emerging corrosion or fluid staining remains highly advisable prior to purchase.