2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · BU65 CSY

A clear pattern emerges across the MOT history of this 2015 Nissan Qashqai, centred on the braking system and front suspension components. The 2022 test resulted in a failure due to a missing offside front road wheel fixing, a serious defect that rendered the vehicle unroadworthy until rectified, though this is the only recorded failure across eight tests. Beyond that, the front and rear brake discs have appeared as pitted or scored advisories on multiple occasions, first noted in 2023 on the front discs and then recurring across both axles in 2025, suggesting a progressive surface deterioration that may eventually require disc replacement. Front brake pad wear advisories appeared in 2022, 2023, and again in 2025, while rear pad wear has been flagged intermittently since 2022. The 2025 test also introduced advisories for an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear and play in the steering rack inner joint, both of which warrant close inspection as they can develop into more significant compliance issues if left unaddressed. The most recent test on 2026-08-08 returned a clean pass with no advisories, which interrupts but does not erase the recurring trend of brake and steering component wear. Recorded mileage of 57,625 miles across an eleven-year vehicle life equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,239 miles, which is notably below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and class. The MOT testing record itself shows consistent annual attendance from 2020 through 2026, with no extended gaps that would suggest the vehicle was laid up off the road for any prolonged period. This relatively gentle usage pattern generally correlates with slower wear on high-mileage consumables such as the clutch, engine internals, and drivetrain components, though it does not insulate the vehicle from the kinds of brake and suspension wear already documented. Buyers should bear in mind that lower annual mileage does not necessarily equate to better mechanical condition, as standing periods can bring their own concerns with seals, hoses, and corrosion, though no such defects have been flagged in the test record to date. Given the recurring brake-related advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a measured test drive paying particular attention to braking feel and response. Any judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application would suggest the pitted front discs have reached a point where replacement is due, even though they were not flagged as seriously weakened in 2025. Listen for any squeal or grinding on initial application, particularly from cold, which often indicates pad material has thinned to the wear indicator. Inspect the discs visually through the wheel spokes for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, heavy scoring, or visible rust pitting that exceeds the cosmetic surface corrosion typical of a used vehicle. The 2025 advisory concerning the offside front lower suspension arm bush and the steering rack inner joint deserves focused physical inspection. With the vehicle parked, grip each front wheel at the top and bottom and attempt to push and pull to detect any looseness in the suspension linkages, particularly a knocking or clunking sensation that would confirm the worn bush has progressed. On the test drive, listen for knocks or clonks transmitted through the chassis when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness, tremor, or inconsistent self-centring in the steering that could indicate the rack joint play is worsening. The 2022 failure for a missing wheel fixing is also a useful reminder to verify that all four wheel bolts are present and properly torqued before any purchase, as this kind of defect can occasionally recur if a wheel has been removed since the last test.