2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · DN16 SKF

The defining mechanical thread across this Qashqai's MOT history is a pattern of progressive wear in the suspension and braking systems that has escalated from isolated advisories into components beginning to fail at test. The most recent test on 14 May 2026 passed, but it carries two advisories for reduced damping effect on both rear shock absorbers and a further advisory for play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint, building on the nearside front track rod end play recorded at the 2025 test. That same 2025 attempt resulted in a failure due to a fractured offside rear coil spring, and the 2024 test documented worn front and rear brake discs, a thinning offside rear inner brake pad, and a worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush. The earlier tests from 2022 and 2023 recorded no defects at all, indicating a clear deterioration in the vehicle's structural and rolling gear over roughly the last three years rather than a stable mechanical picture. With ten years of use on the clock and 82,673 recorded miles, this Qashqai is accumulating approximately 8,267 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of its age. There are no notable gaps in the testing history, with continuous annual MOT entries from 2020 through 2026, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up for extended periods. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent, so the wear patterns observed are proportionate to a vehicle that has been driven regularly on typical UK roads. There is no indication of unusually low accumulation that would raise concerns about dried seals, stagnant brake fluid, or seized components from extended standing. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the rear suspension and steering linkages, given the recent advisories on shock absorber damping and steering rack joint play. On a test drive, pay close attention to any bouncing or continued oscillation after pressing firmly on each corner of the vehicle, particularly at the rear, as well as any knocking or clonking noises from the rear wheels when travelling over uneven surfaces, which could indicate the fractured spring issue recurring on the nearside or the offside shock absorbers deteriorating further. The steering should be checked for any vagueness off-centre, clonking through the rack on full lock, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would suggest the track rod end or inner joint play has progressed beyond an advisory threshold. The braking system also warrants close evaluation given the pitted and scored discs flagged in 2024 and the thinning rear pad. During a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping from the brakes, feel for pedal pulsation or judder under firm application indicating disc runout, and check that the vehicle pulls up squarely without any pull to one side that might suggest a binding caliper. Inspect the visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for any corrosion or cracking, particularly along the underbody where road salt exposure is common. Finally, examine the undercarriage thoroughly for any surface corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and around the coil spring seats, as the fractured spring and worn bushes recorded in the MOT history suggest these areas have been subjected to typical British road conditions and would benefit from a close visual check on a ramp before purchase.