2018 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · DU68 FDK

The 2018 Nissan Navara presents a worsening mechanical trend, culminating in a pass with advisories on 14 October 2024 at 126,238 miles. Just four days prior, the vehicle failed on critical suspension and braking defects. The tester flagged slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and worn front anti-roll bar mounting bushes, alongside front inner brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick. Passing on the retest indicates the brake pads were replaced, yet the suspension advisories carried over. This pattern suggests the previous owner addressed the immediate failure but deferred the underlying suspension wear. Recurring front-end degradation points to sustained hard use rather than typical wear and tear. Covering 126,238 miles over eight years equates to roughly 15,780 miles annually, a high figure for a pickup. The MOT records reveal a notable spike in usage between August 2021 at 86,306 miles and August 2022 at 112,335 miles, accumulating 26,029 miles in a single year. Mileage accumulation then slowed to approximately 7,341 miles between August 2022 and September 2023, before dropping sharply to just 9 miles between the failed and passed tests in October 2024. This erratic pattern, culminating in a recent mileage plateau, raises questions about the vehicle's recent usage and whether it has been standing idle for extended periods. A physical inspection must prioritise the front suspension and chassis structural integrity. The recurring advisories regarding the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and anti-roll bar mounting bushes warrant close scrutiny for excessive play and corrosion, common issues on hard-working Navaras. Examine the inner front brake discs for scoring, given the recent advisory on pad thickness. High mileage and potential commercial use mean checking the underside for structural rust, leaking shock absorbers, and worn suspension bushes across the rear axle is essential. Tyre condition and uneven wear should also be assessed, as neglected alignment often accompanies worn front-end components.