2005 Nissan Elgrand 2.5L Petrol · CV55 YAK

The Nissan Elgrand passed its most recent MOT on 24 April 2026 at 128,795 miles, but the record paints a picture of a vehicle whose maintenance has been reactive rather than preventative. The overall trend is one of persistent, recurring faults rather than genuine resolution. The same oil leak has appeared as an advisory in every single test since at least April 2024, indicating it has never been properly rectified. Suspension and steering advisories, particularly around ball joint dust covers and track rod ends, have been flagged repeatedly across multiple tests, suggesting components are deteriorating faster than they are being replaced. The April 2026 pass came just seventeen days after a failure on 7 April 2026 at 128,790 miles, where both front wheel bearings were reported as excessively worn and likely to fail. The fact that these wheel bearing advisories do not appear in the retest record raises a concern that the underlying wear may have been masked rather than repaired. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,133 miles per year over twenty-one years is entirely typical for this age of vehicle and does not raise any immediate red flags. The jump from 118,110 miles in April 2025 to 128,795 miles by April 2026 represents an increase of 10,685 miles in a single year, which is notably higher than the long-term average and suggests the vehicle saw heavier use in its most recent ownership period. This accelerated mileage would place additional stress on already flagged components, particularly the front wheel bearings, suspension bushes, and brake assemblies that have shown repeated advisories. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. The recurring advisories around front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers, track rod end covers, and steering rack inner joint play point to chronic exposure of these components to dirt and moisture. Left unchecked, this leads to accelerated wear of the joints themselves and can cause vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and in extreme cases, steering failure. The front wheel bearing failure flagged in April 2026 is particularly concerning, as excessive play at that severity typically produces audible rumbling and vibration through the steering column. Buyers should test drive the vehicle at motorway speeds and listen for any drivetrain or wheel bearing noise. The rear braking system also warrants a thorough inspection. Both rear service brakes have shown binding and fluctuation across multiple tests, with the nearside rear disc noted as having gotten hot. Binding calipers or seized guide pins can cause uneven pad wear, overheating of the disc, and reduced braking efficiency. Combined with the recurring advisories on rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and bushes, the rear end of this vehicle has clearly seen sustained neglect. A physical inspection underneath for corrosion, particularly on the subframe and suspension mounting points, is strongly advised before purchase.