2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · PG16 AAU

The most recent MOT test for the 2016 Nissan Qashqai occurred on 2025-08-29 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a return to full roadworthiness after two consecutive failures. The overall maintenance trend over the past three years is mixed but ultimately stabilising; while the vehicle failed in 2024 due to critical tyre defects—both front offside and nearside treads failing to meet the mandatory 1.0mm minimum depth—the subsequent MOT on 2025-08-29 shows no such issues, indicating either corrective action was taken or the tyre wear was resolved. The earlier 2023 and 2022 MOTs were also clean, with only minor advisories of front tyre nails present, which are not road safety hazards but may suggest minor punctures or wear-related issues that could worsen with continued use. This suggests the tyre condition was addressed promptly, though the buyer should remain vigilant about tread depth and overall tyre integrity moving forward. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 86,168 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,617 miles per year, which is consistent with typical long-term ownership patterns for a ten-year-old car. Such mileage, spread over roughly ten years, implies a balanced driving profile rather than extreme wear from high annual mileage or prolonged periods of inactivity. However, the absence of a service history or detailed maintenance records means there is no direct evidence of wear progression on suspension, drivetrain, or internal components beyond what the MOT tests reveal. A key consideration is whether the vehicle has been subjected to heavy loads, frequent short trips (which can accelerate fluid degradation), or prolonged stationary periods (which may lead to standing corrosion in brakes, suspension, or exhaust systems). The tyre failures in 2024 suggest that either the vehicle was driven under conditions that accelerated tread wear or that the tyres were not rotated or inspected regularly. Given the recent MOT history and the vehicle’s age and mileage, the buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection to address both immediate and long-term roadworthiness concerns. First, verify the front tyre condition beyond the MOT test results: check for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate misalignment, suspension issues, or steering problems. Listen for clunking noises from the front suspension during cornering or braking, as this may signal worn suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers. Inspect the front brakes for signs of excessive heat damage, warping, or corrosion on the discs or linings, particularly if the vehicle has been driven heavily or in stop-start traffic. The nearside and offside tyre nails from previous MOTs suggest minor punctures; ensure the tyres are fully repaired and that no further damage has occurred, as nails can lead to slow leaks or sudden blowouts if not addressed. For broader mechanical checks, the buyer should examine the vehicle’s standing corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, exhaust system, and underbody, where moisture and road salt can accelerate rust progression. A visual inspection of the exhaust for leaks, cracks, or excessive wear is essential, as emissions-related failures are common in older vehicles. Check the fluid levels—brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—using the dipsticks, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to critical failures if not serviced. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, as older batteries may struggle to maintain charge or fail unexpectedly. Finally, since the vehicle has not been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, the buyer should request or verify any service stamps in the service book, particularly for oil changes, timing belt replacement (if applicable), and suspension component checks. If the vehicle has been driven at a moderate annual mileage, the wear on consumables like brake pads, filters, and hoses should be within expected limits, but the buyer should still conduct these checks to confirm.