2012 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Petrol · AV12 XGX

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift towards front-end suspension degradation. While it passed the most recent February 2026 test at 59,650 miles, the tester identified multiple defects that were not present in the previous year. These include damaged dust covers on both front track rod end ball joints and a severe deterioration of the dust cover on the offside front suspension arm ball joint. This progression indicates that rubber components are now reaching the end of their functional life due to age rather than high mileage. The mileage profile is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 4,200 miles per year over its fourteen-year life. Data shows a steady pattern of use, moving from 44,796 miles in September 2022 to 59,650 miles in early 2026, no significant gaps or periods of inactivity recorded. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often explains the perishing issues noted in the 2024 record, where rubber bushes and tyre walls become brittle and crack regardless of the distance driven. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry to address the recurring issues with ball joints and bushes. The transition from slight play in the anti-roll bar linkage in 2024 to severely deteriorated dust covers in 2026 suggests the entire front suspension assembly is failing systematically. Attention should also be paid to the offside front tyre which was flagged as near the legal limit, and the condition of the rear offside tyre for further dry rot. The structural integrity appears unprobelemed by these records, but the mechanical rubber components require immediate preventative replacement to avoid future failures.