2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DL18 ABX

The 1.5 dCi diesel in this Qashqai is one of the more frugal engines in its class, with real-world fuel economy typically in the high 50s to low 60s mpg on a mix of roads, depending on driving style and load. Road tax sits in a reasonable band for a 2018 diesel SUV of this size, and the car is not subject to the older higher-rate diesel surcharge that applies to vehicles registered before 2015. Insurance groups for the 1.5 dCi Qashqai are usually in the low to mid teens, so premiums should remain manageable for most drivers.

Annual maintenance tends to be modest, with typical service costs in the £180 to £280 range depending on whether you use a main dealer or independent specialist. The main budget items to plan for over the next 12 months are tyres and brake pads, which are the leading MOT failure points across the 574,821 Qashqais analysed. Budget around £800 to £1,000 annually to cover fuel, tax, insurance, routine servicing, and consumables for a diesel Qashqai of this age and mileage.

With a fully clean MOT history showing no advisories on this registration, there is no specific defect pattern from the test record to chase. However, the model's aggregate failure data highlights tyres, headlamps, and brake pads as the most common failure points across 574,821 Qashqais, so these are the priority items to inspect on any physical viewing. Check all four tyres for even wear and minimum 3mm tread, test both headlamps for blown bulbs or condensation, and look at the brake pad thickness through the wheels. Also inspect the rear brake shoes and handbrake travel, which can be a weak point on higher-mileage examples.

For the 1.5 dCi diesel specifically, listen for a rattle on cold start which can indicate timing chain stretch, and check for any blue smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration that might suggest turbo wear. Examine the underside for oil leaks from the sump and turbo, and confirm the diesel particulate filter has not triggered any dashboard warnings, as DPFs on short-journey diesel Qashqais are prone to clogging. Finally, road test the car on a dual carriageway to ensure the gearbox changes smoothly and the clutch engages cleanly without slipping under load.