2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · DF10 LPL

The latest MOT test on the 2010 Nissan Qashqai, conducted on 2026-08-12, resulted in a pass with several advisories that indicate ongoing but manageable issues rather than a deterioration in overall roadworthiness. The vehicle’s maintenance history shows a pattern of recurring advisories related to suspension components, particularly the track rod ends and constant velocity (CV) joints, alongside corrosion concerns on the subframe and rear inner sills. While the 2025-07 MOTs included both pass and fail outcomes, the most critical failures—such as the binding rear service brake and the compromised CV boot—were addressed in the 2026 test, suggesting that corrective action has been taken or the issues are now under control. The presence of advisories rather than major failures indicates that the vehicle is not currently unsafe but requires attention to prevent further degradation of critical systems. The recorded mileage of 133,219 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 16 years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of around 8,326 miles per year, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for its class and age. This level of mileage is not exceptionally high for a car of this vintage, though it does imply moderate to heavy usage over its lifespan. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly, which may have accelerated wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components. However, the wear progression from the MOT history—particularly the persistent play in track rod ends and CV boot deterioration—could be exacerbated by this usage profile, necessitating closer inspection of these areas to avoid premature failure of steering or drivetrain components. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination are the suspension and braking systems, given the recurring advisories. Focus on the track rod ends, as the slight play detected in both front and rear locations suggests wear that could lead to misalignment or uneven tyre wear if left unaddressed. Listen for clunking noises from the front suspension during cornering or over bumps, which may indicate further deterioration in the bushings or ball joints. The CV boots, particularly the offside inner boot, have shown significant deterioration, with grease weeping indicating that the seals are failing. On a test drive, check for excessive vibration or hesitation when accelerating, which could signal a compromised CV joint or boot failure. Additionally, inspect the rear brake system for dragging or binding, as the previous failure highlighted excessive binding that must be resolved to prevent overheating or uneven wear. Beyond the mechanical issues, the vehicle’s tyre condition should be scrutinised for signs of excessive edge wear or sidewall perishing, which can be exacerbated by age and low mileage if the car has been stored for prolonged periods. Given the corrosion advisories on the subframe and rear inner sills, visually inspect these areas for rust progression, particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage components, as standing water or poor drainage can accelerate corrosion. The battery health should also be checked, especially if the car has been left unused for extended periods, as corrosion on terminals or a failing internal state of charge can lead to starting difficulties. Finally, since the vehicle is approaching its typical service intervals, consider verifying the service history for fluid replacements—such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—since these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Calendar-based servicing is particularly important for these fluids, with brake fluid recommended every 2–3 years and coolant every 5 years to maintain performance and prevent corrosion in the cooling system.