2015 Nissan Juke 1.5L Diesel · DP64 DHD

A recurring pattern of front suspension wear and lighting defects dominates the MOT history of this 2015 Nissan Juke, making the front axle the primary mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 6 March 2026 recorded a failure with three major defects, including an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, an incorrect headlamp aim on the nearside side, and an ineffective windscreen wiper. Although the vehicle subsequently passed on the same date with no defects recorded, the immediate transition from fail to pass on a single day indicates that rectification work was carried out at the test station, rather than demonstrating a clean and consistent state of roadworthiness. Looking further back, the 2024 test issued advisories for both front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on edge, alongside an advisory for a worn nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush. The combination of the 2024 advisory and the 2026 major failure on essentially the same component area points to progressive wear of the front suspension geometry that has not been definitively resolved by a component renewal, only temporarily addressed. The 2025 failure for an inoperative rear fog lamp is a comparatively minor electrical concern, but together with the headlamp defect in 2026 it suggests occasional lapses in routine lighting checks. With 74,349 miles accumulated across approximately eleven years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,760 miles annually, which sits broadly within the typical range for a car of this age and type. The recorded tests are well spaced at roughly annual intervals from 2024 onwards, with no prolonged gaps that would suggest a period off the road and therefore no specific concerns regarding long-term standing effects such as brake disc corrosion, perished rubber components, or 12V battery deterioration. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than erratic, with each annual test showing an incremental increase consistent with regular everyday use. This level of usage places moderate demand on the consumables that have already begun to show wear, particularly the front tyres and the front suspension components flagged in both 2024 and 2026, as well as the braking system, exhaust components, and drivetrain mounts, none of which have yet appeared as advisories in the recorded history. For a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension geometry that has been flagged across two separate tests. Listen for any clonks or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as these are characteristic symptoms of worn lower arm bushes and ball joints similar to those previously identified. Check for uneven or feathered wear on the inner or outer edges of both front tyres, which would indicate that the tracking has been disturbed by the worn suspension components and would also help confirm whether the geometry correction undertaken after the 2026 failure has been effective. On a quiet stretch of road, evaluate steering response for any looseness, vibration through the wheel, or a tendency to pull to one side under braking, as worn front suspension joints commonly contribute to imprecise steering behaviour. It is also worth inspecting the nearside headlamp unit closely to confirm correct beam pattern and alignment, and verifying that the windscreen wiper blades sweep the full wiped area cleanly without smearing. Beyond the documented suspension and lighting items, the absence of any recorded advisories relating to corrosion, brake pipe condition, exhaust integrity, or structural areas is a neutral rather than a positive finding, as these components should still be physically examined during a pre-purchase inspection. A thorough visual check underneath the vehicle for any fresh oil staining from the engine or transmission, signs of corrosion around the subframe mounting points, and the general condition of the brake lines and fuel lines is advisable given the vehicle's age and mileage. The nearside front lower suspension arm should ideally be inspected on a ramp to determine whether a complete arm assembly has been replaced or merely refurbished, as the recurrence of similar advisories and failures in the same component area suggests that any repair should be verified for quality. Finally, confirming that the rear fog lamp and all other exterior lighting functions are operating correctly will ensure that the minor electrical issues from the 2025 and 2026 tests have been fully resolved and will not recur at the next MOT.