2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · BW16 ABO

The Nissan Qashqai’s MOT history presents an unusual but ultimately reassuring picture of roadworthiness. The most recent tests, both in August 2025 at 26,966 miles—just nine days apart—show a clean pass with no advisories or defects, despite one failing test. This suggests the vehicle met all DVSA thresholds for structural integrity, emissions, lighting, and mechanical function at the time. The lack of recurring advisories or defects across the four recorded tests indicates no persistent issues with suspension components, brake systems, or corrosion, which are common failure points in this model. That said, the back-to-back retest in 2025, both without defects, implies the initial failure may have been administrative or minor enough to resolve swiftly—though the absence of any recorded details leaves this ambiguous. The mileage pattern is striking for its low annual accumulation, averaging just 2,697 miles over the past decade. Between August 2023 and August 2025, the odometer rose by a modest 3,557 miles, suggesting either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. This could mean reduced wear on consumables like tyres, brake pads, and clutch components, but it also raises questions about fluid health—oils, coolants, and brake fluid degrade over time regardless of mileage. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (1,848 miles over a year) further supports the idea of light usage, though the consistency in passing tests without advisories implies no major neglect. For a buyer, the absence of defects in the MOT history is a positive sign, but a thorough pre-purchase inspection should focus on areas prone to silent degradation in low-mileage vehicles. Pay particular attention to fluid levels—engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant—given the long intervals between tests. Check for any signs of binding in the steering or suspension, as these can develop even with minimal use, especially if the car has been stored in damp conditions. Inspect the brake system closely, including the condition of discs and pads, as the lack of recorded advisories doesn’t guarantee they haven’t been overlooked. Finally, verify the battery health, as modern vehicles with infrequent starts are susceptible to parasitic drain or sulphation. While the MOT record offers no red flags, the irregular testing intervals and low mileage demand extra scrutiny of maintenance logs and fluid service history. The vehicle’s clean test results suggest it was likely kept in decent condition, but the buyer should treat this as an opportunity to confirm rather than assume. Prioritise a professional inspection over the MOT’s limited scope, particularly for components that don’t trigger test failures but could still pose risks.