2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · EO11 VVW

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 9 February 2026, though three advisories were issued that warrant careful consideration. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush was noted as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement, and both rear shock absorbers were recorded as showing light misting of oil. These observations, combined with the failure history, suggest a maintenance trend that is broadly stable but with signs of wear developing in key undercarriage components. Notably, the vehicle failed on 28 January 2025 with a serious structural defect to the nearside rear suspension arm due to corrosion, which is a significant finding given the corrosion vulnerability commonly seen in vehicles of this age. Two further failures, relating to headlamp performance and windscreen wiper effectiveness, indicate that some routine servicing and electrical maintenance may have lapsed in the recent past. With a recorded mileage of 97,938 miles across approximately 15 years, the vehicle has covered an average of around 6,500 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests reasonably consistent usage without extreme periods of standing or excessive high-mileage accumulation. There are no glaring mileage inconsistencies, though the pattern of failures and advisories across consecutive test dates implies that the vehicle has been in regular use. This level of mileage means that consumable items such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension bushes will have experienced meaningful wear and should be inspected with appropriate scrutiny during a physical examination and test drive. Given the advisory concerning the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, a prospective buyer should listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces. Any harsh impact noises, wandering steering feel, or uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would suggest the bush has deteriorated beyond the advisory threshold and may require replacement shortly. The advisories for light oil misting on both rear shock absorbers indicate the beginning of seal failure, which typically progresses over time; symptoms to monitor include a less settled ride quality, increased body roll through corners, and extended stopping distances due to reduced wheel contact with the road. A thorough inspection of the shock absorber bodies for heavier oil staining or dampness around the shaft area is advisable. The 2022 advisory regarding front brake disc corrosion suggests the vehicle may have experienced periods of light use or standing, which can lead to surface corrosion on brake components. During a test drive, the buyer should pay particular attention to any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, or an uneven pedal feel, all of which may indicate that the brake discs have corroded sufficiently to require machining or replacement. Additional age-related checks should include a close examination of all tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even on tyres with adequate tread depth due to the rubber compounds degrading over time, particularly on a vehicle over a decade old. The 12V battery should be tested for hold and cranking performance, as batteries beyond five years of age frequently suffer reduced capacity. Brake fluid should be checked for its age, as fluid absorbs moisture over time and typically requires replacement every two years regardless of mileage. Given the nearside rear suspension arm corrosion failure in 2025, a careful inspection of all underbody structural components, subframes, and mounting points for advanced rust or perforation is strongly recommended, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Finally, verifying a complete service history with regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals will provide further reassurance that the mechanical condition has been maintained conscientiously.