2017 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · DN17 NJJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 August 2026 resulted in a pass, although three items were recorded as advisories. Over the last three test cycles the vehicle has consistently passed, but the pattern of advisories indicates a gradual worsening rather than a stable condition. In 2024 the test was entirely clean, in 2025 advisories appeared concerning a corroded nearside front coil spring and front brake disc wear, and in 2026 these have been compounded by a thin front brake pad advisory and the emergence of corrosion at the exhaust joints. This trajectory suggests that consumable braking components are approaching the end of their useful life and that corrosion-related issues, particularly to the suspension and exhaust, are beginning to present themselves and warrant close attention before purchase. The recorded mileage of 47,008 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual average of around 5,200 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type. Such restrained usage typically results in less wear to the internal combustion engine, drivetrain, and major mechanical assemblies, but it also introduces the risk of deterioration through standing. A vehicle that has spent prolonged periods unused is more susceptible to issues such as brake disc corrosion, binding or seized calipers, fluid degradation from age rather than mileage, and the perishing of rubber components including tyres, hoses, and drive belts. There are no obvious large gaps between MOT records, with annual tests conducted consistently since 2021, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained in a roadworthy condition throughout its life, although the actual usage between tests cannot be precisely determined from the data alone. From the MOT history, the most pressing items for a prospective buyer to investigate are the front braking system and the front suspension. The advisories relating to worn, pitted, and lipped front brake discs in both 2025 and 2026, combined with the thin front brake pad advisory in 2026, indicate that a full front brake refresh including discs and pads is likely imminent. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any brake shudder under firm application, which would suggest disc run-out or uneven wear, and should pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking. The fractured nearside front coil spring recorded as a major failure in June 2021 was clearly rectified, but the subsequent advisory in 2025 noting corrosion to a nearside front coil spring suggests the springs remain vulnerable and should be inspected for surface corrosion, cracking, or any sagging that could affect ride height. The exhaust joint corrosion advisory should also prompt a physical check for any blowing gases, rattling, or visible perforation at the joints, particularly given the propensity for Navara underbody components to suffer from road salt exposure. Given the low annual mileage, age of the vehicle, and presence of standing-related deterioration, several additional physical checks are strongly advised. Tyres on a vehicle of this age with limited mileage accumulation should be carefully examined for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth, and any tyres over six years old should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as low-use vehicles frequently suffer from battery sulphation and reduced capacity. Brake calipers and handbrake mechanism should be checked for free operation, as corrosion can cause seizing when a vehicle is infrequently used. Finally, all fluid services including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and differential or transfer case oils if four-wheel drive should be verified by service history, as these degrade on a calendar basis and a low-mileage vehicle may still be operating on fluids well past their recommended replacement intervals. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle on a ramp, paying particular attention to the chassis, suspension arms, and exhaust mounting points, would also be highly beneficial given the emerging pattern of corrosion-related advisories.