2012 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Diesel · AP12 BHO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 15 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle was in a road‑worthy state at that time. Over the last five years the record shows a mixed pattern: 2024 produced a single minor fault – a severely deteriorated off‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV boot – while 2023 recorded both a clean pass and a failure for front suspension arm ball‑joint wear and a lamp fault. Earlier years (2022 and 2021) featured several major failures relating to front suspension bushings, track‑rod dust‑covers and headlamp operation, together with multiple tyre advisories. The overall trajectory appears to be improving, with the most recent test free of defects, but the recurrence of front‑suspension and CV‑boot issues suggests that underlying wear has not been fully resolved. At 129,268 miles the Qashqai has logged roughly 9,200 miles per annum since its 2012 build, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would point to accelerated wear, nor are there large gaps that might indicate long periods of storage; the mileage progression is consistent with moderate, regular use. Consequently, wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and engine oil is likely to be in line with calendar ageing rather than extreme mileage‑driven degradation. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. The repeated notation of excessively worn ball joints on both nearside and off‑side arms, together with a previously displaced rear bush, means the steering geometry may be compromised and could produce clunking noises when cornering or over bumps, as well as a vague wandering feel at speed. Inspect the ball‑joint boots for cracks or grease leakage, verify that the joints move freely without play, and check the condition of the track‑rod dust‑covers for any signs of corrosion or torn gaiters that could admit dirt. The CV boot noted as severely deteriorated in 2024 should be examined for oil seepage onto the wheel hub and for any whine from the front axle under acceleration, which would indicate impending joint failure and the need for replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, tyre perishing is a realistic concern; the 2022 advisories highlighted severe edge wear and sidewall damage on all four tyres, suggesting that the rubber may have become brittle irrespective of tread depth. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot and any bulges, and be prepared for a full tyre set replacement if the current tyres show any signs of ageing. Also check the 12 V battery for reduced cranking power, inspect brake discs for surface corrosion or scoring, and confirm that all fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant) have been refreshed in accordance with the service schedule, as time‑based degradation can occur even on low‑mileage cars. A thorough visual inspection of the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, will help ensure that hidden corrosion has not undermined structural integrity.