2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · CF07 ATN

A clean five-year MOT record with no advisories or defects recorded across consecutive passes places this 2007 Nissan Qashqai in a strong position mechanically, reflecting consistent roadworthiness at each annual assessment since 2022. The absence of flagged items over this stretch is notable for a vehicle of this age, suggesting that the tested components, including brakes, suspension, tyres, emissions equipment, and lighting, have remained within legal limits without requiring attention. The only interruption in this otherwise uninterrupted run of passes is a failed test on 19 August 2024 with no defects recorded, which was followed immediately by a pass on the very next day, strongly indicating an aborted or administrative test rather than a genuine mechanical failure. The most recent pass on 11 August 2025 reinforces this impression of a stable, well-maintained vehicle from a roadworthiness perspective. Recorded mileage of 102,770 miles over approximately nineteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,409 miles, which is substantially below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year expected of an average privately-used car. There are no unusual gaps in the testing history and no evidence of rapid mileage escalation between tests, suggesting steady, light use rather than periods of heavy touring followed by extended standing. However, low annual mileage in a vehicle approaching two decades old carries its own mechanical considerations; prolonged standing can degrade rubber components such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and brake flex hoses through dry rot, while infrequent use may allow brake discs to corrode on the surface and clutches or automatic transmission seals to stiffen. The mechanical state of these ageing rubber and hydraulic components cannot be fully inferred from the MOT record alone, as they often pass while the vehicle is in motion on a roller brake test but may reveal deterioration during real-world driving. For a prospective buyer, the lack of specific advisories means the inspection focus should shift to the components most likely to deteriorate on a low-mileage, older SUV. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and suspension bushes, all common wear points on the Qashqai of this generation. Feel for any vibration or judder through the steering wheel under braking, which could indicate warped brake discs or uneven pad transfer, and pay attention to whether the brake pedal feels spongy or requires excessive travel, as ageing flexible brake hoses can internally degrade without visibly leaking. Apply the handbrake on a slope to confirm it holds firmly, as handbrake cables on low-use vehicles can seize from infrequent operation. Under the bonnet, inspect all coolant and oil hoses for surface cracking and perishing, particularly around the radiator and thermostat housing where age-related embrittlement is common. Check for any signs of oil misting or seepage around the cam chain area and from the rear main seal, as even well-maintained high-age engines can develop slow leaks at gasket joins. Examine the condition of the drive belts for glazing or fraying, and confirm the timing chain does not produce a rattle on cold start, a known concern on higher-mileage 1.5 and 1.6 dCi variants. Finally, inspect the underside for any emerging corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs, as structural corrosion becomes a legal concern on vehicles entering their third decade, even when earlier tests have not flagged it. A clean MOT history reduces risk but does not eliminate the need for these targeted age-related checks.