2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DN66 JDJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 August 2026 records a pass with no advisories, but it should be noted that on the very same date the vehicle was initially presented and failed on two major defects, both relating to the front lower suspension arm pin or bush, near and offside, with excessive wear identified on the front bushes. The failure was clearly rectified prior to re-test, allowing the vehicle to pass later the same day. Looking at the broader history, the underlying pattern is one of repeated rear brake and rear tyre advisories, alongside persistent registration plate deterioration noted at consecutive tests. While none of these alone would constitute a failure, the recurrence of rear brake disc wear, pitted and scored surfaces, and thinning rear brake pads across the 2024 and 2025 examinations suggests an ongoing maintenance area that has not yet been comprehensively addressed, and a buyer should not assume the rear braking system is in a fully refreshed condition simply because the most recent pass is clean. The recorded mileage of 53,495 against a ten-year age equates to an average of roughly 5,350 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type and likely working life. This figure may indicate either genuinely light usage, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both. Mechanically, low annual mileage tends to reduce wear on high-mileage items such as the clutch, engine internals and drivetrain, but it brings its own concerns, particularly with regard to components that degrade through inactivity rather than use. Brake discs and calipers can corrode and seize when a vehicle is left standing, tyres can develop sidewall perishing well before their tread depth is exhausted, and rubber seals, bushes and gaiters can deteriorate through lack of regular flexing. A prospective buyer should therefore pay particular attention to the items flagged in the advisory history. The rear brake discs, noted as worn, pitted and scored on both sides, should be inspected for lipping, surface corrosion and runout, and the rear brake calipers should be checked for binding, particularly as the vehicle has clearly stood for long periods. A test drive should be carried out with deliberate, firm brake applications from speed to confirm there is no shudder, pull to one side, or delayed response, and the rear pads should be measured for remaining friction material, as advisories suggest they have been running thin for at least two consecutive tests. The front lower suspension arms and bushes, having just been renewed or repaired to clear the recent failure, should be examined for any clonking, knocking or vagueness over uneven surfaces, and it is worth confirming exactly what work was carried out and whether genuine Nissan components were used, as bushes of this nature failing on a relatively low-mileage vehicle can indicate original specification or material fatigue. Given the low annual mileage, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should also look beyond the MOT record. All four tyres, including those recently replaced, should be checked for sidewall cracking, perishing and manufacturing date codes, as tyres older than around six years harden and lose grip regardless of tread depth. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, since low-use vehicles frequently suffer from sulphation and reduced capacity, and the engine and gearbox oil, along with brake fluid and coolant, should be considered for replacement on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. A cold start should be observed for any smoke or unusual rattles, the diesel particulate filter status is not relevant here as this is a petrol platform, but general exhaust integrity, underbody corrosion around the rear axle and subframe, and the condition of the timing chain or belt service history are all items worth confirming given the vehicle's age, even if the MOT file itself is now clean.