2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · BN14 ORV

A history of serious safety‑related defects dominates this Qashqai’s MOT record – the 2022 test flagged a dangerous off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint and an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, while the 2024 test recorded a non‑functioning engine malfunction indicator lamp, multiple lighting failures and a side‑repeater colour error. Although the most recent 2025 inspection was passed, it still carried advisories for front tyre tread approaching the legal limit and a nearside stop lamp that is only partially operational, indicating that the vehicle’s core safety components have required repeated attention. At 108,301 mi over twelve years the average annual mileage is roughly 9,000 mi, which sits within normal UK usage patterns and suggests the car has not been subjected to extreme high‑kilometre wear. MOTs have been recorded annually with no prolonged gaps, implying the vehicle has been regularly presented for testing. This moderate mileage combined with the recorded wear on tyres, brake pads and suspension elements points to typical consumable depletion rather than abnormal over‑use, but the age of the chassis means that wear on load‑bearing joints is to be expected. When inspecting the car, give particular focus to the front suspension geometry: feel for any clunk or knock when driving over bumps, check for steering wander or a loose feel that could betray worn ball joints or bushings. Examine the brake system for thin pads – the 2022 advisories on both rear pads suggest they may be nearing replacement, so listen for squeal, feel for any pedal judder and verify even pad wear across the discs. Verify that all external lighting – nearside stop lamp, rear position lamp and side repeaters – illuminate correctly and that the engine warning light remains extinguished under normal operation; a lingering MIL could indicate unresolved engine management issues. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection should include a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes in the engine control unit and the supplementary restraint system, a visual and tactile assessment of the front ball joints and track‑rod ends, measurement of tyre tread depth and condition, and a brake pad/rotor thickness check. Budget for a full set of tyres, brake pad replacement and, if any play is detected, front suspension component refurbishment, as these items are the most likely to require attention given the MOT history.