2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · AX65 ENE

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 September 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the strongest possible outcome at the current test. Reviewing the full DVSA history, the Qashqai has accumulated a consecutive run of passes since its first recorded test in 2018, and aside from a handful of minor advisories related to tyres and child seat fitment, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent. The absence of recurring failure categories such as suspension components, braking system wear, exhaust integrity, lighting, or structural corrosion suggests the vehicle has been reasonably well maintained throughout its life. A buyer should still treat a clean pass as a point-in-time snapshot rather than a guarantee, but the trend overall is reassuring. With approximately 98,289 miles recorded over a ten-year period, the annual mileage averages around 9,829 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would indicate long periods of standing unused, nor does the profile suggest heavy commercial or high-mileage private use. The mileage accumulation appears consistent year on year, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity as components such as the timing chain, clutch, turbocharger, and drivetrain have been exercised regularly rather than left idle. Given the modest annual mileage, however, the vehicle is still ten years old and will be subject to age-related degradation that is not strictly mileage-dependent. Although the MOT history does not reveal any structural or mechanical advisories, prospective buyers should carry out age-appropriate physical checks before purchase. The tyres, while not flagged at the most recent test, should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth. The brake discs, particularly at the rear, may have developed corrosion lips or surface rust from low-speed urban use, and the calipers could be binding, which would manifest as uneven braking, pulling to one side, or a hot wheel after driving. Given that the vehicle is a decade old, the 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested, while the engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be considered for replacement on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals, as moisture absorption and chemical degradation occur over time. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension, listening for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces that might indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or coil springs, all of which are common wear items on Qashqais of this age and mileage. The clutch should be assessed for slip under load, any shudder on engagement, and a firm biting point, while the continuously variable transmission, where fitted, should be evaluated for smooth response and any juddering or whining under acceleration. The steering should remain tight without excessive play, and the exhaust should be checked for blowing gases or rattles that could indicate a failing catalyst or mounting rubbers. Finally, verifying the service book stamps or digital service history, confirming the cambelt or timing chain replacement interval has been respected, and inspecting under the bonnet for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket or around the oil filter housing would provide additional confidence in the long-term mechanical condition of this vehicle.