2012 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel · AP12 LBK

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 21 May 2026, although it had earlier failed on the same date due to a nearside headlamp dipped beam not working. Reviewing the four-year MOT history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a recurring cluster of advisories centred on the rear brake pipes, prop shaft joints, exhaust corrosion, and outer drive shaft CV boot deterioration, which have appeared year on year and suggest ongoing wear rather than improvement. The recent test also added a new advisory concerning a non-obligatory central stop lamp, alongside a minor defect for severely deteriorated outer CV boots on both front drive shafts. Two prior test failures for headlamp aim and indicator faults were repaired at the time, so there is no pattern of unresolved safety items, but the accumulation of brake pipe corrosion advisories over consecutive tests is a concern that warrants attention before purchase. Recorded mileage stands at 107,124 miles across approximately 14 years, equating to around 7,650 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working utility vehicle of this age and not unusually low or high. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged standing, and the consistent yearly testing indicates regular use. However, a 2012 Navara with this mileage will have experienced substantial wear on mechanical consumables such as the clutch assembly, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, turbocharger, suspension bushes, coil springs, and the timing chain or belt depending on specification, so a thorough service history verification is essential. The mileage context does not flag any particular red flags regarding underuse corrosion, but it does mean that major drivetrain components are approaching or past their typical service life thresholds. The most pressing recurring concern in the MOT record is the persistent advisory for rear brake pipe corrosion, appearing in 2023, 2025, and 2026 on both sides. This typically indicates surface corrosion of the rigid or flexible brake lines running to the rear axle, and on a four-wheel-drive Navara of this age, these pipes are exposed to road salt and underbody moisture. On inspection, look for any blistering under the pipe surface, visible rust weeping, or perished flexible sections near the rear axle. Symptoms during a test drive would be a soft or spongy brake pedal, particularly after standing overnight, and any warning light for the ABS system should prompt immediate professional assessment. The rear brake pipe advisories, combined with the exhaust flange and general exhaust corrosion advisories recorded previously, suggest the underside of the vehicle is suffering typical age-related degradation that may soon necessitate replacement of the brake lines and possibly the exhaust rear section. Further inspection should focus on the outer CV boots, which have been flagged as severely deteriorated on multiple occasions since 2022, with both front outer joints now showing this issue. Torn CV boots allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, leading to accelerated wear and eventual failure with symptoms including clicking noises on full lock turns, vibration through the steering, or in advanced cases, complete drive shaft failure. Also verify the prop shaft universal joint condition, as wear was previously noted on the transfer box end. Other age-appropriate checks include confirming the timing chain or belt service interval compliance, inspecting the front suspension bushes and coil springs for cracking or sagging which would manifest as uneven tyre wear, clunks over bumps, or poor cornering stability, and checking the turbocharger for play or oil leaks given the expected mileage. Fluid condition should be assessed for brake fluid, which should be replaced regardless of mileage every two to three years due to hygroscopic degradation, and the coolant and automatic or manual gearbox oil should be verified as within service intervals. Finally, examine the tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread depth appears acceptable, ensure the 12V battery holds a strong charge under load, and confirm that all service book entries are present and stamped.