2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DP17 CSV

The most recent MOT on 5 March 2026 recorded a pass, with only a minor wiper‑blade defect, an advisory that the rear brake pads are approaching the minimum thickness and a nail noted in the nearside rear tyre. Over the last six years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring wear items – front shock absorbers consistently showing light oil misting, a series of tyre defects culminating in a dangerous off‑side front tyre tear in 2025, and progressive brake‑pad and disc wear – but no new major failures. This suggests a generally stable maintenance regime that is being kept up to date, although the recurrence of the same fault areas indicates that components are reaching the end of their service life and will need attention soon. At 65 553 miles the Qashqai averages roughly 7 300 miles per year, which is typical for a nine‑year‑old family SUV. The mileage does not point to any periods of heavy, high‑speed use that would accelerate wear on the drivetrain, nor does it suggest long periods of inactivity that could cause battery sulphation or brake‑disc corrosion. The moderate annual usage means that consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension bushings are likely to be worn primarily by age rather than extreme mileage, and the vehicle should have a reasonable amount of remaining life if the identified wear items are addressed. The persistent light misting of oil from the nearside front shock absorber warrants a thorough visual inspection of the shock body and mounting points for any seepage, as well as a road test for any clunking, excessive bounce or uneven damping, especially when traversing bumps. A leak often precedes loss of suspension compliance, which can manifest as reduced ride comfort and altered tyre wear patterns. The brake system also requires immediate attention: the front inner pads are already thin and the rear pads are flagged as near‑minimum thickness, so a test drive should be listened to for any squeal, shudder or a spongy pedal, and the pads should be measured and likely replaced together with a resurfacing or replacement of the front discs if the wear depth exceeds the legal limit. Given the history of tyre damage – a nail in the rear, a cut on the off‑side rear and the previous off‑side front tyre failure – each tyre should be examined for sidewall cracks, tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm), and the DOT date to confirm they are not beyond six years old, as ageing rubber can perish even on low‑mileage vehicles. Beyond the specific defects, a buyer should verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking for a healthy cranking voltage and any signs of sulphation that can develop during extended storage periods. The coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be inspected for colour and level, as calendar‑based degradation can occur irrespective of mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) service at the manufacturer’s interval, and that any recent tyre replacement after the 2025 failure has been correctly fitted and balanced. Addressing the suspension leak, brake wear and tyre condition will bring the vehicle back to a robust road‑worthy state for continued use.