2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · DP17 XTY

A nine-year-old Qashqai carrying only 28,392 miles presents an exceptionally clean and consistent DVSA roadworthiness record, with four consecutive passes between 2023 and 2026 each issued without a single advisory or defect entry. The only blemish across the entire testing history is a pair of minor windscreen wiper blade defects recorded at the 2022 test, both classified under section 3.4 (b) (i) and resolved before the subsequent annual examination. This pattern of entirely clean passes over the most recent four years, paired with no advisories relating to corrosion, suspension components, brake pipes, or structural integrity, indicates a vehicle that has consistently met statutory safety standards without developing the chronic wear items typically associated with cars of this vintage. The absence of any advisory entries on the more recent tests is particularly reassuring for a vehicle now entering its tenth year, as this is the age range where corrosion, bush deterioration, and exhaust concerns commonly begin to surface on MOT records. The mileage profile is notably restrained for the vehicle's age, averaging just over 3,150 miles per year since first registration in 2017. This figure is well below the typical annual accumulation for a family crossover and suggests either genuine light use, a period of extended standing, or a combination of both. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-friction consumables such as clutch components, brake pads and discs, and drivetrain internals, prolonged standing periods can bring their own concerns, particularly around rubber components deteriorating through lack of use, brake calipers seizing from infrequent operation, and underbody corrosion developing in areas that do not benefit from regular drying through road use. The continuity of annual testing from 2022 through 2026 without any multi-year gaps suggests the vehicle has remained taxed and on the road throughout, though the relatively low mileage between tests still warrants attention to the mechanical consequences of limited use. Given the sparsity of flagged components in the MOT history, the inspection focus for any prospective buyer should be on the areas that low-mileage Qashqais commonly hide wear, starting with the brakes. The handbrake and footbrake should be tested for firm, even response without any pulling to either side, and the wheels should be inspected for binding calipers or uneven pad deposits that indicate a seized slider or piston. On the test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension, particularly the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, which are known wear items on Qashqais of this generation and may not show on an MOT until movement exceeds the prescribed tolerance. The steering should feel precise and self-centring without any vibration through the rim at speed, and any clonking over uneven surfaces should be investigated as it often points to worn strut top mounts or track rod ends rather than shock absorber failure. With no corrosion advisories on record, the underside of the vehicle should still be inspected on a ramp or with the wheels turned fully to expose the inner arches, paying particular attention to the front subframe mounting points, rear suspension beam, and brake pipe runs along the chassis, as corrosion can begin invisibly beneath underseal. The exhaust should be checked for blowing joints and steady tick-over emissions, and the engine bay examined for any oil misting around the cam cover and sump area, which would suggest developing gasket deterioration consistent with age. Given the very low mileage, the tyres warrant close scrutiny for age-cracking in the tread grooves and sidewalls regardless of remaining tread depth, and the 12 volt battery should be load-tested as a precaution given the long periods of likely light use. Finally, the windscreen wiper linkage should be operated through both speeds to confirm smooth and complete arc coverage, ensuring the minor defects recorded in 2022 have not signalled any underlying motor or mechanism issue, while the overall mechanical picture remains a reassuringly positive one for a vehicle approaching its tenth anniversary.