2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · EJ62 VLS

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 13 March 2026 with a single advisory notice concerning slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, recorded under the standard DVSA reference 5.3.4 (a) (i). This is a relatively minor observation at the lower end of the advisory scale, but it is the first defect of any kind to appear in the recorded history, with all preceding tests from 2021, 2019 and 2018 returning clean passes with no advisories. The maintenance trend therefore remains broadly stable and well-maintained, though the emergence of wear in the front suspension componentry warrants attention. Given that suspension geometry defects tend to progress gradually rather than resolve themselves, this advisory effectively serves as an early warning that the front suspension is beginning to accrue age-related wear and should be monitored at each subsequent annual test. With a recorded mileage of 44,219 miles over approximately 14 years, this Qashqai averages around 3,158 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage of 8,000 to 10,000 miles expected for a family SUV of this age. The MOT records confirm this low usage profile, with no sharp jumps in mileage and a consistent pattern of light use. While low mileage generally equates to reduced wear on major mechanical components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, it introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Vehicles that cover only short distances or stand for prolonged periods are more susceptible to corrosion on brake discs and callipers, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of lubricants and coolants purely through calendar ageing rather than use. Given the low annual mileage and the fact that the vehicle is now 14 years old, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to issues that arise from standing or short-trip use rather than high wear. Brake discs are highly likely to exhibit surface corrosion, and the callipers may have begun to seize due to infrequent operation, which would manifest as a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side under braking, an excessively hot wheel on completion of a test drive, or grinding noises when the brakes are first applied from cold. The tyres, despite potentially retaining adequate tread depth given the low mileage, should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing, cracking and brittleness, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of wear, and tyres older than six years are generally considered past their optimal service life. Equally, the 12 volt battery is likely to be approaching the end of its functional lifespan and should be load-tested, while all fluids, including engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and the automatic or manual transmission oil, should be verified against the manufacturer's time-based service intervals rather than relying on mileage alone. Regarding the advisory concerning the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, a test drive over uneven surfaces or speed humps should be conducted with the windows down to listen for any clonks, knocks or rattles emanating from the front suspension, particularly over rougher tarmac. Uneven or feathered tyre wear on the nearside front wheel would also indicate that the play is affecting wheel alignment, and the buyer should expect that replacement of the lower arm, or at minimum the ball joint, will be required within the next service interval, with associated costs for the part and a four-wheel alignment check. While not an immediate failure item, this advisory is a clear indicator that the front suspension is beginning to reach an age where progressive component replacement can be anticipated, and budgeting for renewal of the front suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links and possibly the coil springs over the coming years would be prudent. The lack of any other advisories across the MOT history is a positive reflection of the vehicle's overall mechanical condition, and provided the standing-related checks described above are carried out, this low-mileage Qashqai represents a carefully used example likely to provide reliable service.