2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · EJ16 KCZ

The Nissan Qashqai presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past three years, with the most recent MOT on 16 July 2025 at 29,936 miles passing without defects. This follows a consistent pattern of annual testing since mid-2022, with only one isolated failure in July 2023—an anomaly with no recorded defects, suggesting a clerical or administrative error rather than a mechanical issue. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the three consecutive passes indicates the vehicle has been maintained to a high standard, or at least that no major structural, braking, or emissions failures have emerged during official inspections. The clean record does not, however, preclude the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, as MOTs focus on minimum legal compliance rather than comprehensive mechanical health. The vehicle’s mileage of 29,936 miles over roughly 10 years—averaging just under 3,000 miles annually—is exceptionally low for its age, raising questions about its usage history. The gap between the 2022 test at 27,170 miles and the 2023 failure at 27,856 miles (a mere 685 miles in nearly 13 months) suggests the car may have spent extended periods in storage or seen very light use. Similarly, the 2024 test at 28,889 miles and the 2025 test at 29,936 miles indicate minimal annual mileage accumulation, reinforcing the likelihood of infrequent driving. Such low mileage could mean reduced wear on consumables like tyres and brakes, but it also means components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and fluid seals may not have been regularly exercised, potentially leading to stiffness or degradation over time. Given the lack of recorded faults, a buyer should prioritise inspecting components that are not routinely checked during MOTs but are critical to long-term reliability. Pay particular attention to the suspension—check for worn or hardened bushes, uneven tyre wear (which could indicate alignment issues), and the condition of coil springs for sagging or corrosion. The brakes should be tested for binding or uneven pedal feel, as the MOT does not always catch early signs of wear in calipers or discs. Exhaust emissions were not flagged, but a visual and auditory check for leaks or rattles in the system is advisable, especially given the car’s age. Finally, examine the underbody and wheel arches for signs of corrosion, as low-mileage vehicles are sometimes stored in conditions that accelerate rust without the protective effect of regular driving. While the MOT history offers reassurance, the unusually low mileage and the single unexplained failure warrant caution. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic—focusing on suspension integrity, brake condition, and structural corrosion—will provide clarity on whether the vehicle’s hidden history matches its outwardly clean test record.