2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · AV60 FBL

The most recent MOT on 13 May 2026 was a pass, albeit with a minor fault (off‑side rear registration‑plate lamp) and an advisory that the off‑side rear tyre is close to the legal tread limit. This follows a series of failures in the preceding months – notably major suspension corrosion and ball‑joint wear in March and April 2026, and a major track‑rod failure in February 2024 – suggesting that the vehicle has required significant remedial work recently. While the latest pass indicates that some of those defects have been addressed, the recurrence of similar suspension‑related advisories over the past few years points to a trend that is still borderline rather than clearly improving; the car is stable only if the corrective work has been thorough and of good quality. At 150,558 mi for a 2010 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9,400 mi, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would hint at long periods of storage, but the relatively steady accumulation means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, bushings and engine oil will be consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular use. The mileage level also suggests that major drivetrain components – clutch, gearbox and differential – are likely approaching the point where replacement or a full service may become advisable if they have not already been refreshed. A prospective buyer should give the suspension a thorough examination. Inspect the near‑side and off‑side trailing arms for any signs of rust, cracking or weakened metal, and check the condition of the front lower arm bushes and ball joints for excessive play. During a test‑drive listen for clunks or knocks when turning or going over bumps, and feel for any looseness in the steering column that could indicate a worn track‑rod end. Verify that the front headlamp aim is correctly set, as a high aim was recorded as a major fault, and confirm that all exterior lamps – especially the off‑side rear registration lamp and the front position lamps – illuminate correctly. The tyre on the off‑side rear is already near the legal limit, so assess tread depth on all four tyres and look for uneven wear that might betray mis‑aligned suspension components. Because the vehicle is now 16 years old, time‑based items deserve particular attention. Check the condition of the rear sub‑frame for any advancing corrosion beyond the advisory level, and inspect the under‑carriage for rust that could affect structural integrity. Examine the brake discs for surface glazing or scoring, especially since the pads have been flagged as thin on several occasions; any shudder or pulsation under braking would merit disc resurfacing or replacement. Test the 12 V battery voltage and look for signs of sulfation, and confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids can degrade with age even if mileage is moderate. A full service history, including receipts for suspension repairs and any component replacements, will be essential to confirm that the corrective work cited in the MOT records has been carried out to a proper standard.