2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · BP18 AEC

A pattern of repeat tyre wear advisories on the nearside axle, combined with a dangerous-depth tyre failure and recurring brake pad monitoring, defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2018 Nissan Qashqai. The most recent test on 6 July 2024 recorded a pass, but it did so against a backdrop of advisories for a deteriorated front registration plate, nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, and front brake pads wearing thin. Just five days earlier, the same vehicle failed with a dangerous nearside front tyre below the 1.6mm tread requirement, a major inoperative offside side repeater, and the same nearside rear tyre advisory. Earlier tests show a clean 2023 pass, but a 2022 advisory flagged nearside front tyre wear close to the limit, and a 2021 test cycle included a failure for an inoperative nearside stop lamp before a subsequent pass. The recurrence of nearside edge wear on both front and rear tyres across multiple test cycles is the single most consistent mechanical signal in the record, suggesting an alignment or suspension geometry issue that has not been resolved between tests. Against an age of roughly eight years, the recorded 105,585 miles equates to an annual accumulation of about 13,198 miles, which is at the upper end of typical for this class of vehicle. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2021 through 2024, indicating the car has remained in regular use rather than laid up. This kind of mileage pattern places above-average demand on consumables and wear components including brake friction material, tyre tread, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts. The combination of high mileage and repeated edge wear advisories is particularly relevant, as worn or collapsed suspension bushes, weak coil springs, or tired top mounts will accelerate uneven tyre consumption and can also introduce steering vagueness that compounds alignment drift. A prospective buyer should treat the nearside tyre wear trend as a priority inspection item, as it has now appeared on multiple axles across separate test cycles. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly on the nearside, and feel for any vagueness, pulling, or tramlining in the steering that would suggest worn wishbone bushes, droplinks, or a tired rack. Inspect all four tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear, and check that the nearside front and rear have been replaced with matching brands and sizes, as inconsistent replacements can mask ongoing geometry problems. The recent brake pad advisory means a thorough check of pad thickness and disc condition is warranted, with attention to any signs of binding calipers such as a hot wheel after driving or uneven disc wear lipping. Beyond the suspension and braking concerns, the body and electrical items flagged warrant their own verification. The dangerous tyre failure in July 2024 is a serious indicator that tread depth has been allowed to drop perilously close to legal limits, so confirm the production date stamps of the currently fitted tyres and ensure they are not an aged set simply fitted to pass the test. The inoperative offside side repeater and nearside stop lamp failure from the 2021 cycle point to basic electrical checks being worthwhile, including all indicator repeaters, brake lamps, number plate illumination, and the offside mirror noted as slightly damaged. With high mileage accumulated in a relatively short period, an inspection of the engine and transmission for oil leaks, coolant condition, and any unusual noises on cold start is also advisable, alongside verifying the service record independently to ensure the major service items have been addressed at the appropriate intervals for this level of use.