2018 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · DN68 FVB

The 2024 MOT test for this 2018 Nissan Navara was recorded as a pass, although an advisory was issued regarding slight seepage from a power steering component. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the maintenance trend appears somewhat inconsistent rather than stably improving. The vehicle failed its 2023 test on multiple major items, including an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, a faulty rear fog lamp, and excessively worn rear anti-roll bar pins or bushes on both sides, alongside minor advisories concerning deteriorated front upper suspension arm ball joint dust covers and a loose tailgate lock mechanism. The 2022 test similarly resulted in a dangerous failure for both front tyres being below the minimum legal tread depth, with additional advisories for the rears wearing close to the legal limit and on the edges, plus a major failure for parking brake efficiency below requirements. The recurring nature of brake wear, suspension component deterioration, and tyre management across the recorded tests suggests the vehicle has experienced a degree of deferred maintenance or heavy operational use, warranting close physical scrutiny prior to purchase. With approximately 126,645 miles recorded on an eight-year-old vehicle, the Navara has covered roughly 15,800 miles annually, which is notably above the average annual mileage for a vehicle of this type and age. This higher-than-average accumulation implies greater wear on typical service items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components. The MOT records reflect this, with annual test intervals showing continuous use rather than periods of standing. Mechanical implications of such sustained high mileage include accelerated wear on clutch components if manual, potential wear in the transfer box and differential assemblies characteristic of four-wheel-drive pickups, and the likelihood that major service items such as timing chains, injectors, and turbocharger components have been placed under considerable load throughout their service life. Prospective buyers should verify the authenticity of the mileage and cross-reference service book stamps against the MOT records to ensure consistency. Regarding recurring defects and advisories, the power steering seepage noted in 2024 is a common age-related issue on diesel pickups of this era, often originating from the rack itself or the high-pressure hose connections. While currently minor, any seepage can progress, so it is advisable to inspect the steering rack boots and pipes for fresh fluid accumulation, and to listen for any whining or groaning noises from the pump during cold-start test drives. The worn anti-roll bar bushes and deteriorated suspension ball joint dust covers identified in 2023 are particularly significant. Compromised dust covers allow water and grit to ingress into the ball joints, accelerating wear; listen for clonking or rattling over uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven front tyre wear which often accompanies failing suspension joints. Additionally, the persistent rear fog lamp failures across both 2021 and 2023 suggest either an underlying wiring or earth fault, or repeated bulb issues, and should be verified as fully functional. Given the 2022 dangerous tyre failures and edge-wear advisories, a thorough inspection of all four tyres for age-related perishing, sidewall cracking, and even wear patterns is essential, while the parking brake efficiency issue from the same test warrants checking the rear caliper mechanisms, cables, and handbrake adjustment for any binding or slack. Beyond the recorded defects, the high annual mileage and diesel drivetrain of this Navara demand attention to several time and wear-based service items. The brake pads were noted as 80 percent worn in 2021, meaning replacement would have been imminent; verify the condition of the discs for lipping or corrosion, particularly given the rear drum or disc configuration common to this model. Diesel Navara engines of this generation are known for injector and turbocharger wear at higher mileages, so request evidence of any recent injector balancing, EGR valve cleaning, or DPF forced regenerations, and monitor the dashboard for any persistent emissions or glow plug warnings during a test drive. Given the vehicle's age, the 12V battery may be approaching the end of its service life even if not flagged, and auxiliary battery health should be assessed. Finally, confirm the timing chain has been replaced or inspected at the recommended mileage threshold, as stretched chains on the YD25 engine can cause catastrophic failure. Ensure all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transfer case and differential oils, have been changed in line with the manufacturer's calendar and mileage intervals, and verify the presence of a complete, stamped service history to substantiate the mechanical integrity of this high-mileage pickup.