2021 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · DV71 SDO

The Nissan Navara currently holds a valid MOT pass dated 1 April 2026 at 82,740 miles, yet the maintenance trend is best described as borderline rather than reassuring. Just six days prior, on 25 March 2026, the same vehicle failed with a cluster of defects that point to a lack of pre-test preparation. The tester flagged an inoperative registration plate lamp, a missing offside front position lamp, a reversing lamp, both wipers failing to clear the screen, inadequate parking brake effort on a single-line system, a parking brake efficiency failure, and slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. The fact that the car passed on the retest at the identical mileage suggests the faults were rectified cosmetically, but the pattern of neglecting lamps, wipers, and a parking brake raises questions about deeper mechanical diligence. The nearside lower ball joint advisory from the April 2026 pass is particularly significant because it mirrors the exact defect recorded on the failed test one week earlier, indicating the joint already has measurable wear that will deteriorate further. The Navara has covered roughly 16,548 miles per year since registration, which is high for a five-year-old pick-up and suggests sustained commercial or long-distance use. Mileage progression is relatively tight, jumping from 78,224 miles at the March 2025 test to 82,740 miles by March 2026, a gain of 4,516 miles in one year. That is a lower annual total than the overall average, hinting the vehicle may have been used more intensively in earlier years or stood idle for periods. The 2025 record is clean apart from a straightforward failure for a blown offside headlamp and a faulty rear fog lamp, both of which were resolved before the same-day pass. There are no glaring gaps in the chronology, but the concentration of defects in March 2026 after a clean 2025 result suggests maintenance slipped noticeably in the last twelve months. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the front suspension and braking system as priority areas. The recurring advisory for play in the nearside lower suspension arm ball joint is a mechanical wear item that will affect steering precision and tyre wear if left unchecked. Have a technician check both lower ball joints, track rod ends, and suspension bushes under load, as high-mileage Navaras used for hauling or towing often show accelerated wear in these components. The parking brake failure on the March 2026 test, specifically inadequate effort at a wheel on a single-line system, warrants a close look at rear brake calipers for sticking, cable condition for stretch or seizure, and the condition of the rear brake pads and discs. A binding caliper or seized cable could still be present even if the retest scraped through. Beyond the flagged items, examine the chassis and load bed for corrosion, particularly around the rear cross-mountings and body mounts, as Navaras used commercially frequently suffer from structural rust that MOT tests do not always probe deeply. Check the condition of all lamp units, the reversing lamp circuit, and the wiper linkage, since the March 2026 failure suggests basic electrical and cosmetic upkeep was neglected. Tyre condition and uneven wear patterns should be assessed carefully given the suspension play. This is a working pick-up with a high-mileage history and a recent MOT record that reveals more neglect than care. A thorough on ramps inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly advised before committing to purchase.