2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · BN64 ABK

The latest MOT test on 2026-08-12 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by several persistent advisories that suggest ongoing wear issues rather than outright failure. The pattern over the past three years reveals a mixed but largely stable maintenance trend—while some advisories, such as tyre wear close to legal limits and suspension arm pin/bush wear, have recurred, there is no evidence of sudden deterioration or critical failures. The most concerning advisory from the 2025-08-19 MOT—nearside rear brake pads being dangerously thin—was not repeated in the latest test, indicating either corrective action or a temporary condition, but the vehicle’s braking system remains a priority. The presence of minor dust cover failures on suspension ball joints and play in steering components also highlights areas requiring attention, though they do not currently compromise roadworthiness. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 90,717 miles at the time of this assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 7,560 miles per year, which is typical for a 12-year-old Qashqai with its class of vehicles. The consistent mileage accumulation suggests moderate to heavy use rather than light or infrequent operation, which would have led to different wear patterns. Heavy use accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and tyres, as evidenced by the recurring advisories on tyre wear and suspension arm pin/bush conditions. The absence of significant mileage gaps does not necessarily indicate neglect but rather sustained driving habits, which can lead to cumulative stress on drivetrain and suspension systems over time. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination and test drive are the braking system, suspension, and tyres. The advisories on nearside and offside front and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit—particularly when worn on the edges—could indicate misalignment, poor alignment history, or uneven loading, which may worsen with continued use. Listen for uneven brake pedal travel, shuddering during deceleration, or a grinding noise when applying brakes, as these could signal impending pad or disc failure. The suspension advisories, including the worn suspension arm pin/bushes and ball joint play, warrant checking for excessive movement in the steering or suspension when the vehicle is lifted slightly off the ground. Clunks or rattles from the front suspension during cornering or bumps may also suggest further deterioration. Inspect the brake discs for scoring, pitting, or corrosion, and verify that the pads are not dangerously thin—if the pads were replaced recently, ensure the discs were also serviced to prevent warping. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and mileage, focus on the following checks: verify the condition of the tyres beyond the MOT advisories, including sidewall wear, cracks, or perishing from age, which can compromise structural integrity. Check for standing corrosion on the near-side rear brake components, as prolonged idling can cause rust and binding in calipers or discs. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of weakness, such as slow cranking, dim lighting, or corrosion on terminals, as older vehicles are more susceptible to battery failure. Fluid levels, particularly the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, should be checked for freshness and contamination, with a reminder that fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, review the service history for the suspension, brakes, and alignment services to confirm any corrective actions taken for the advisories noted in previous MOTs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maintaining the vehicle’s roadworthiness.