2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · PE18 AAU

The 2018 Nissan Qashqai presents a pattern of recurring suspension and braking advisories spanning several years, with the latest MOT on 2026-08-04 confirming the vehicle remains roadworthy though with persistent warnings. The nearside front tyre showing wear close to legal limits alongside multiple front and rear lower suspension arm pin and bush issues across 2025 through 2024 indicates a consistent pattern of wheel assembly degradation rather than isolated incidents. While the most recent test passed, the presence of the same type of worn suspension bush components across three separate annual MOTs suggests the underlying issue has been present throughout the vehicle's life, with the current tyre condition reflecting cumulative wear that may have developed slowly given the relatively low mileage accumulation. With 47,350 miles recorded after approximately eight years of ownership, the annual mileage accumulation of roughly 5,919 miles falls significantly below typical usage expectations for a model of this age and class. The gap between the 2026-08-04 MOT and the prior 2025-08-15 MOT represents nearly ten months without a mandatory test, which could indicate extended periods of inactivity or infrequent driving. However, the steady progression of mileage through each subsequent MOT—with passing results each time despite accumulating wear flags—suggests the vehicle has managed to accumulate distance without catastrophic failure, though the persistence of suspension bush wear and brake disc scoring warrants attention regardless of total mileage. The combination of low odometer reading against the documented failure patterns points toward gradual component degradation rather than sudden breakdown. The suspension system shows the most concerning recurring elements, with front lower suspension arm pins and bush assemblies flagged at every MOT since 2024, including the 2026-08-04 test noting nearside front tyre wear that likely resulted from compromised suspension geometry. On a test drive, the buyer should monitor for any clunking or knocking over bumps, particularly when navigating uneven surfaces, as worn bush seals often transmit vibration and abnormal noise through the chassis. Additionally, inspect the suspension bush locations visually for signs of corrosion or missing hardware, and note whether the steering feels loose or vague during cornering, as bush wear can affect alignment stability even before significant flex becomes apparent. The brake system also carries a history of scoring and pitting on both nearside front and rear discs, with the 2025-08-15 MOT specifically calling out these areas as not being seriously weakened but still requiring attention. During a test drive, pay close attention to brake pedal feel and pedal travel; a spongy or soft pedal combined with audible grinding noises when applying the brakes would be indicative of disc surface damage exacerbated by the reported scoring. Given the high number of nearside front brake disc concerns across multiple tests, checking for any visible scorch marks or uneven wear patterns on the rotors will help determine whether pad replacement alone suffices or if deeper resurfacing or replacement is necessary. Combined with the ongoing suspension issues, addressing these two systems together appears prudent before committing to purchase.