2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · DT18 KFY

A fractured rear coil spring recorded as a Major defect at the 2024-06-24 test is the single significant mechanical event in this Qashqai's MOT history, and it dominates the otherwise unblemished test record. Aside from this failure, the vehicle has passed three subsequent tests without any advisories or defects being raised, including a clean pass on 2026-07-10. The fractured spring is not, in itself, indicative of a systemic suspension problem on a Qashqai of this age, as coil springs are fatigue-prone components that can fail without broader chassis deterioration, and the absence of any further advisories relating to dampers, bushes, or related suspension components on subsequent tests suggests the replacement was carried out and no knock-on wear has been flagged. The 2023 advisories concerning the front lower engine tray and tyre perishing are minor in nature and do not appear to have escalated in later tests. Against an age of roughly eight years, the recorded 36,636 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,580 miles, which is notably below the typical mileage of a privately-owned Qashqai of this vintage. Lower annual mileage of this magnitude generally means reduced wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutch friction material, and engine internals, but it can equally reflect periods where the vehicle has been used sparingly or left standing. The MOT history shows tests at broadly yearly intervals from 2023 onwards, with no extended gaps in testing that would suggest prolonged off-road status, which is a useful indicator that the vehicle has remained in active use throughout this period. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points are the rear suspension, given the recorded spring failure. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or rattling from the rear over undulating roads or speed humps, which would suggest worn damper mounts, top mounts, or trailing arm bushes that may not yet have been flagged on test. Visually inspect the spring seats and surrounding arch liners for signs of rubbing, fresh paint overspray indicating recent replacement work, or any asymmetry in vehicle ride height when parked on level ground. Pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres, as the 2023 advisory noted perishing on both front and rear outer edges; check the current tyres for similar sidewall cracking and confirm that all four are of matching make, type, and tread depth, as uneven sidewall wear can point to alignment or suspension geometry issues. Also verify the condition of the under-engine area, as a lower tray was noted as fitted in 2023; ensure it is secure and not damaged, as loose trays can generate wind noise and, if dragged, conceal corrosion on components above. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough inspection should include a check of the rear brake assemblies, as Qashqais with broken rear springs can occasionally suffer binding calipers if the vehicle has been driven extensively with uneven rear ride height. With low overall mileage, brake discs may show surface corrosion rather than wear lipping, which is normal and not a defect, but ensure the caliper slide pins move freely and there is no evidence of a seized handbrake mechanism. Finally, confirm the history of the spring replacement directly with the seller, including whether the work was completed by a Nissan main dealer, a general garage, or by roadside assistance, as the methodology and parts quality of this repair are directly relevant to the ongoing integrity of the rear suspension.