2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · CE68 UBH

A consistently clean DVSA test record defines the mechanical profile of this 2018 Nissan Qashqai, with no advisories or component defects recorded across the last three years of testing. The vehicle passed its most recent examination on 5 July 2025, and the overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness with no emerging wear patterns flagged by the inspector. Notably, the test history shows two occasions where a failure was immediately followed by a pass on the same date, indicating minor administrative or presentation issues were resolved without significant mechanical intervention. This is an encouraging signal for a prospective buyer, as it points to a vehicle that has consistently met minimum safety and emissions standards without chronic problem areas. With 44,423 miles recorded over roughly eight years, this car has averaged around 5,500 miles annually, which is low for its age and suggests either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically means reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, but it can also bring specific concerns related to intermittent use. Components that suffer from lack of regular exercise include brake discs, which can develop surface corrosion even on cars that pass braking performance tests, and underbody hardware such as suspension linkages and bushes that can seize or perish when not regularly loaded. The MOT history does not record any defects in these areas, which is reassuring, but a thorough physical inspection should account for the realities of low-mileage operation. Given the light usage, a buyer should also confirm the timing chain or belt replacement schedule has been observed, as Nissan Qashqais of this era have known issues with timing chain stretch, and a car driven this little may have missed recommended service intervals. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, including the lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mounts, as these are common wear points on the Qashqai platform regardless of mileage. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or droplinks, and pay attention to steering precision, as vagueness or knocking through the wheel can point to track rod or wishbone wear. The braking system should be tested for pedal feel and effectiveness; any judder under braking or pulling to one side may suggest warped front discs, a common issue on cars that see limited motorway use where heavy braking is rare. Given the clean MOT history and the fact that no specific components have been flagged, there is no requirement to lecture on particular failure modes, but the low-mileage profile does justify closer scrutiny of items that degrade with age rather than use. Rubber components such as the drive belts, coolant hoses, and suspension bushes all harden and perish over time, so a pre-purchase mechanical check should include a visual inspection of the coolant hoses for swelling and a check of the auxiliary drive belt for cracking. Tyres should also be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking, as low-mileage cars often retain original-fitment tyres well beyond their optimal service life in terms of calendar age even if tread depth remains adequate. Finally, request evidence of recent servicing including oil and filter changes, as the low annual mileage does not exempt the vehicle from regular fluid renewal schedules.