2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · CU63 VFE

The latest DVSA MOT test for the 2013 Nissan Qashqai was conducted on 2025-08-27, resulting in a passing outcome with a single minor defect—an inoperative registration plate lamp, which is a straightforward electrical issue easily rectifiable without compromising roadworthiness. The MOT history over the past six years demonstrates a stable maintenance trend, with no failures or recurring critical defects. The only recurring advisories—tyre damage, child seat restrictions, and thin brake pads—were noted in 2020 and have since been resolved or no longer present, indicating that the vehicle has undergone necessary corrective action. This consistency suggests that the owner has been proactive in addressing minor issues, though the 2020 advisories highlight areas where wear or potential neglect may have been present before servicing. The recorded mileage of 81,380 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 13 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,260 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. This pace suggests a mix of regular use and periods of inactivity, which can lead to specific wear patterns. Lower mileage might indicate prolonged standing, potentially causing issues such as corrosion in brake systems, standing corrosion on suspension components, or fluid degradation from stagnation. Conversely, higher mileage would imply more aggressive wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension elements, but here the mileage aligns with typical usage without suggesting extreme wear. The absence of significant mileage spikes could also imply that the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy or frequent towing, which would accelerate wear on the drivetrain and suspension. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the tyres, brakes, and suspension, given the historical advisories. The rear tyres from 2020 showed signs of cracking or perishing, which is a calendar-based issue—tyres can degrade over time regardless of mileage, especially if stored or used in harsh conditions. On a test drive, listen for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment or suspension issues, and check for excessive road noise or vibration that could signal tyre failure. The thin brake pads noted in 2020 suggest that the braking system may require closer inspection, particularly the condition of the discs, calipers, and brake fluid. Look for signs of binding calipers, excessive brake dust, or a spongy or pulsating brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or soft brake pads. Additionally, check the registration plate lamp—ensure it is functioning correctly, as this is a minor but necessary compliance check. Beyond the MOT history, a thorough physical inspection is essential. Given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing corrosion, particularly in the brake system and undercarriage, examine the brake discs for corrosion, binding, or scoring, and inspect the calipers for leaks or excessive heat discolouration. The suspension should be checked for worn bushes, clunking noises during cornering, or excessive play in the struts or coil springs. The tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, which can compromise their structural integrity, and ensure the tread depth meets legal requirements. Since the vehicle has been used over a moderate mileage range, consider verifying the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid, which should be replaced every two years or 60,000 miles to prevent gel formation and corrosion. Finally, test the 12V battery and alternator to ensure they are holding charge and providing adequate power, as older vehicles are more susceptible to electrical issues from prolonged inactivity.