2009 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel · DY09 OFA

The most recent MOT for this 2009 Nissan Navara, conducted in January 2026, resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history indicates a concerning downward trend in structural and mechanical integrity. While the vehicle has passed several tests since 2021, the frequency and severity of defects have escalated significantly in recent years. The transition from minor advisories regarding ball joint play to a major failure involving excessive corrosion on the rear suspension component mountings suggests that the vehicle is suffering from advanced structural degradation. Although recent repairs have been covered in underseal, the recurring nature of these issues indicates that the underlying corrosion is a persistent and worsening problem rather than a one-off occurrence. With a recorded mileage of 127,539 miles over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,500 miles per year. This is considered low to moderate usage for a commercial vehicle of this age, which often implies it may have spent periods stationary or was used for lighter duties. However, for a diesel pickup, lower annual mileage can sometimes lead to different mechanical concerns, such as carbon buildup in the exhaust system or fluid degradation. In this specific case, the low mileage does not appear to have protected the chassis from environmental damage, as the MOT history clearly shows that the vehicle has been subject to significant corrosion despite the relatively low distance travelled. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the chassis and structural health of this vehicle. The history of excessive corrosion on the rear suspension component mountings and the reported holes in the rear load bed cross members are serious red flags. During a test drive, you should listen for any knocking, clunking, or irregular vibrations coming from the rear suspension, which could indicate that the structural repairs are not fully stable or that the mounting points are still compromised. Furthermore, the repeated advisories concerning corroded brake pipes, which have been covered in grease to mask their condition, necessitate a thorough physical inspection. You should look for any signs of weeping fluid around the brake lines or calipers and check that the brake pedal feel is firm and consistent, as any sponginess could indicate that the corrosion is affecting the hydraulic integrity. In addition to the chassis, the steering and suspension components require close scrutiny. The history shows a pattern of wear in anti-roll bar linkages, track rod ends, and ball joints. On your test drive, pay close attention to steering precision; any wandering, heavy steering, or clicking sounds when turning the wheel could indicate that the steering linkages are nearing another failure point. You should also inspect the condition of the tyres, looking specifically for sidewall cracking or perishing, as the 2025 advisory noted tyre degradation which is common in vehicles that are not driven long distances frequently. Finally, ensure that the service history is documented to confirm that fluids and filters have been changed based on time intervals rather than just mileage, given the vehicle's age and usage profile.