2012 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Petrol · AD12 FDG

A recent transition from a failed inspection to a passed status within a 24-hour window highlights the vehicle's current instability, specifically concerning the front suspension geometry and braking system. The vehicle failed on 2 September 2025 due to an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint and an offside track rod end ball joint with excessive play, alongside thinning brake pads on both rear wheels. While the subsequent test on 3 September 2025 resulted in a pass, this is accompanied by an advisory for an offside rear outer tyre with sidewall damage or perishing, indicating that the suspension and brake components identified as failures are likely still at the end of their service life and require immediate replacement. With 61,006 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has an annual accumulation rate of roughly 4,358 miles, which is relatively low for its age class. This usage pattern suggests that the vehicle may have been used for short, infrequent journeys or experienced periods of inactivity, a condition often associated with increased susceptibility to corrosion on underbody components and potential degradation of fluids or seals. However, despite the low mileage, the recorded history indicates that the suspension and braking components have reached significant wear levels, particularly in the last two years, implying that the vehicle has not been subjected to the gentle, consistent usage typically associated with low-mileage cars, but rather a usage profile that has stressed these specific systems. Prospective buyers should conduct a thorough test drive focusing on the front steering and suspension geometry, as the history reveals a failed offside track rod end ball joint with excessive play and a worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. During the drive, the steering wheel should be checked for any tendency to pull to the right or left, which would indicate a compromised track rod end, and the suspension should be tested over bumps to listen for any knocking or clunking noises emanating from the front offside corner, which would suggest the ball joint failure has progressed. Regarding the braking system, the advisories regarding thinning rear brake pads indicate that the friction material is approaching the wear limit, so the pedal feel should be monitored for any softness or pulsation, and the vehicle should be inspected closely for any signs of brake fluid leaks or corrosion on the brake calipers and pipes. The vehicle also carries an advisory for an offside rear outer tyre with sidewall damage or perishing, which poses a risk of sudden deflation, necessitating immediate replacement of this specific tyre regardless of the current tread depth. Additionally, the 2024 MOT noted a child seat fitted that prevented full inspection of the adult belt, which is a safety concern regarding restraint anchorage, and the 2025 test flagged an altered internal headlight adjuster. A visual inspection of the tyre sidewalls is essential to confirm the extent of the damage, and the vehicle's headlight alignment should be checked to ensure it complies with legal standards, as the altered adjuster may result in an unlevel beam pattern that impairs visibility for other road users.