2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · BN61 ETF

Tyre wear and brake‑pad thickness dominate the mechanical story of this 2011 Qashqai, with several MOTs flagging dangerous tread loss and a critical brake‑pad failure, yet the most recent test on 20 October 2025 recorded a clean pass and no defects. Earlier in 2024 the off‑side front tyre fell below the legal 1.6 mm limit, and in 2023 a dangerous front‑brake‑pad thickness under 1.5 mm forced a failure; subsequent passes show those specific items have been addressed, but the pattern of tyre‑related advisories persists. At 120,206 mi the vehicle averages just over 8 000 mi per year, a usage rate that sits comfortably within typical UK figures for a fifteen‑year‑old car. The MOT history shows regular annual testing with no prolonged gaps, indicating the vehicle has been on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This steady mileage suggests normal wear on consumables, but also means that components such as suspension bushes, brake discs and tyre sidewalls have been subjected to cumulative stress over many years. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection: look for tread depth below 1.6 mm, especially on the off‑side front where a dangerous failure was recorded, and examine sidewalls for cracking, bulges or perishing that were noted on both rear tyres in 2022 and 2023. A test‑drive should reveal any vibration or pulsation at higher speeds, which can indicate uneven wear or internal tyre damage. The brake system warrants close attention; feel for a firm, progressive pedal without excessive travel, listen for any squeal or grinding that could betray worn pads or discs, and verify that the brake fluid level sits comfortably above the minimum mark, as it was flagged as low on several occasions. Re‑checking the front‑brake‑pad thickness before committing to purchase would be prudent, given the prior dangerous failure. The suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover on the near‑side front was recorded as severely deteriorated in 2023, so a hands‑on check for play in the front wheel when rocked and any clunking over bumps is advisable. The windscreen wiper’s inability to clear the glass, noted in 2023, should be tested for effective clearance, and the off‑side headlamp’s high aim must be verified to avoid glare to other road users. Addressing these items—replacing the tyre set, renewing brake pads and possibly discs, topping up or flushing brake fluid, and rectifying the dust‑cover and wiper issues—will bring the vehicle back to a consistently roadworthy state.