2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DP10 VMX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 14 February 2025, although the test was accompanied by a cluster of advisories that warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. Looking back across the available history, the trend is one of gradual rather than abrupt deterioration: earlier tests from 2017 through 2022 recorded relatively few or more isolated advisories, whereas the most recent two tests have shown a steady accumulation of concerns centred on front suspension ball joints, rear coil spring corrosion, and the condition of the rear brake pipes. The fact that the same advisories are beginning to reappear and broaden in scope suggests that wear-related deterioration is progressing rather than being resolved between tests. Although none of the items have yet reached the threshold for a failure, the direction of travel is downward, and a buyer should reasonably expect at least one or more of these defects to mature into test failures within the next twelve to twenty-four months if not addressed. The recorded mileage of 161,820 miles over a sixteen-year life equates to an annual average of around 10,100 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and type. The MOT record shows consistent year-on-year testing with no obvious long gaps that would suggest extended standing periods, and the mileage progression appears steady rather than erratic. This level of regular use is generally favourable for mechanical condition, as it tends to keep seals, brakes, and drivetrain components working as intended, and reduces the likelihood of seized components or severe standing corrosion. That said, the cumulative mileage is substantial, and wear-related items such as suspension joints, bushes, brake components, and exhaust fittings will inevitably be nearing the end of their natural service life on a vehicle that has covered this distance. The advisories recorded on the 2025 test require particular scrutiny. The slight play noted in both offside and nearside front suspension arm ball joints is a progressive wear condition that typically manifests as a knocking or clonking noise from the front of the vehicle when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and it can also produce vague or wandering steering behaviour. If left to develop further, the joints may eventually separate, creating a significant safety risk, so they should be inspected closely and replacement cost factored into any purchase decision. The corroded rear coil spring noted on the nearside has been an intermittent finding since 2023, and corrosion here is common on vehicles of this age, particularly those that have seen winter road salt exposure. On a test drive, listen for any audible rattling or knocking from the rear suspension over bumps, as a weakened or fractured spring can allow the tyre to contact the body under heavy load. The advisories relating to corroded rear brake pipes covered in grease or protective material indicate that the exposed steel brake lines along the rear axle are beginning to surface corrode; whilst the application of grease may have been a deliberate protective measure by a previous owner, the underlying corrosion warrants a close visual inspection underneath, as brake pipe failure would result in an immediate MOT failure and a serious safety concern. Beyond the items flagged by the MOT history, a buyer of this sixteen-year-old Qashqai should carry out a number of practical age and mileage related checks. Tyres may appear to have adequate tread depth but could be suffering from sidewall perishing or cracking due to age, particularly if the vehicle has been stored outdoors; the date code on the sidewall should be reviewed and any tyre older than six years considered for replacement regardless of tread. The 12 volt battery is very likely to be approaching the end of its useful life and should be load tested, as a failing battery can cause misleading electrical faults. Brake discs on a vehicle of this age and mileage are susceptible to corrosion, particularly at the hub face and around the outer edge, and caliper slide pins can seize from infrequent or light use, so each corner should be checked for smooth operation and the discs inspected for lipping or excessive runout. Fluid services are time rather than purely mileage dependent, so the brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should be checked for service history stamps, with brake fluid ideally renewed every two years due to its hygroscopic nature. Finally, the engine oil and filter should be inspected for the oil leak previously noted in 2020, the exhaust system checked for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, and a thorough underbody inspection carried out paying particular attention to the subframe mountings that were flagged as corroded in 2019 and 2020, ensuring that no structural deterioration has progressed beyond the advisory threshold since.