2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · CF17 VLD

The vehicle achieved a clean MOT pass on 6 August 2026 with no defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. However, the day prior to that pass the vehicle failed on a major defect relating to a nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint exhibiting excessive wear, a failure item that has been subsequently rectified. Reviewing the broader trend, the 2024 test surfaced multiple advisories on front suspension components, including both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes showing wear without excessive movement, alongside pitted and worn front brake discs. The 2022 test also failed on a major defect concerning offside front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing wear. This pattern points to a recurring and arguably worsening suspension-related maintenance profile on the front axle, with components progressively crossing advisory thresholds and ultimately resulting in failure items. Prospective buyers should treat this as evidence of an ageing front suspension rather than an isolated incident. With 61,772 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle is running at around 6,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its class. There are no obvious extended standing periods or sudden mileage spikes in the recorded history, suggesting reasonably consistent use. This level of usage tends to keep consumables turning over without excessively loading the drivetrain, but it is sufficient to produce meaningful wear on original or near-original suspension, braking, and rubber components, which the MOT history strongly corroborates. The mileage alone does not raise particular concern, but it reinforces the need for a careful inspection of the front-end mechanicals given their age and the documented advisory pattern. Given the suspension and brake advisories recorded, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension assembly. The ball joint that failed in August 2026 should be confirmed as a recently replaced genuine part, with a receipt or invoice ideally available, and the adjacent nearside lower arm, bushes, and the offside equivalent should be visually checked for fresh grease, new fixings, and even tyre wear across the front axle. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the suspension, especially over speed bumps, potholes, or during low-speed turning where worn ball joints or bushes typically reveal themselves. The Macpherson strut top mounts and bearings, which previously failed on the offside, should be assessed for any play when the steering is rotated with the vehicle stationary, as this often manifests as a creak or clunk over uneven surfaces. The advisories on front brake disc pitting and wear, recorded in 2024, should now be reviewed as the discs approach or exceed ten years of service, meaning replacement rather than refurbishment is increasingly likely. The 2025 advisory for an offside front tyre worn on the edge is consistent with front-end geometry disturbance possibly linked to the worn suspension components, so a four-wheel alignment check is advisable following any suspension work. The recurring rear tyre cracking and perishing advisories across 2023 and 2024 also warrant attention, as nine-year-old tyres commonly suffer sidewall perishing regardless of tread depth, and all four tyres should be inspected for age-related cracking with the DOT date code reviewed. Beyond the recorded items, a buyer should verify brake fluid and coolant replacement intervals, inspect the 12V battery for holding charge given its age, check for any oil or coolant leaks from the ageing drivetrain, and confirm a complete service history to ensure timing chain, oil, and filter changes have been maintained on schedule for a vehicle of this age and mileage.