2008 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Diesel · AA02 JOE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of worsening structural and mechanical condition. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025 at 70,905 miles, this followed a failure just eight days prior. The transition from a clean record in 2023 to multiple suspension-related failures in 2024 and 2025 indicates that the vehicle is now entering a phase where age-related material degradation is outpacing preventative maintenance. At 18 years old, the recorded 70,905 miles is significantly low, averaging just under 4,000 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the issues seen in rubber and metal components rather than simple mechanical wear. Between October 2023 and November 2024, the car covered only 2,008 miles, yet it suffered multiple failures involving track rod ends and ball joints. This suggests that the vehicle may sit for long periods, leading to drying of seals and seizing of joints despite the low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the lower suspension, specifically the rear radius arms. The record shows the offside rear arm progressed from minor corrosion in late 2024 to being seriously weakened and failing by October 2025. This is a structural concern that requires verification of replacement rather than just surface treatment. Additionally, the nearside front CV boot which caused the recent October 2025 failure should be checked for grease leakage, as a split boot leads to rapid drive shaft failure. The persistent oil leak noted in the October 2025 test warrants close monitoring. Although the tester deemed it not excessive for the MOT standard, its presence on a low-mile vehicle suggests a gasket or seal failing. Given the history of worn ball joints and anti-roll bar linkages, the entire front suspension geometry should be tested for play to ensure the repairs made in late 2024 were comprehensive and not merely reactive fixes.