2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · EX62 DFN

The vehicle's most recent MOT outcome is a PASS recorded on 12 December 2025, although the same date also produced a FAIL with major defects concerning the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, both reported as excessively worn. The advisories retained on the pass include a deteriorated rear registration plate, rear brake pads noted as wearing thin, and both front tyres recorded as worn close to the legal limit on the 1.6mm threshold. Evaluating the overall trend across the available history, there is a discernible deterioration in the front suspension and steering linkage assembly. A minor play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was first flagged in 2023, followed by an offside suspension arm ball joint wear failure in 2024, culminating in major defects on both the lower arm and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints in 2025. This trajectory indicates progressive wear in the front suspension geometry that warrants close attention. With approximately 100,313 miles recorded over fourteen years, the vehicle has covered roughly 7,165 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and usage profile. The MOT intervals demonstrate consistent year-on-year testing with no prolonged absences, indicating regular use rather than extended periods of standing. While the annual mileage is not excessive, the consistent recording of suspension component wear at this mileage range is consistent with the mechanical expectations for a Qashqai of this vintage, where rubber and polyurethane bushings, ball joints, and anti-roll bar linkages are known to degrade with cumulative road exposure, surface conditions, and kerbing impacts. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the recurring suspension and steering component defects. The front lower arm ball joints and anti-roll bar drop links are likely to have been replaced to clear the 2025 failure, and it is essential to verify with the seller what work was undertaken and ideally obtain the corresponding invoice or receipt. On a test drive, listen for clonks, knocks, or rattling from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and pay close attention to vagueness or imprecise turn-in response through the steering wheel. Uneven or feathered tyre wear on the front pair can indicate worn bushes or geometry misalignment following the component replacement. Additionally, the 2025 advisories on rear brake pad wear and the persistent front brake disc pitting and scoring noted from 2020 through 2021 suggest that a thorough brake inspection is prudent; expect the front discs to potentially require machining or replacement, and verify rear pad material depth with a workshop. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, several age-related considerations should also be addressed regardless of the MOT record. Tyres on a 2012 vehicle are susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking from prolonged UV exposure and thermal cycling, which can render a tyre unsafe even where tread depth appears adequate. The original 12V battery is well beyond its typical service life and should be load-tested prior to purchase, particularly as flat battery conditions are a common cause of roadside non-starts in vehicles of this age. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid are all subject to time-based degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear, and a full fluid service history should be requested. Inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, paying close attention to the rear subframe, suspension mounting points, and exhaust hangers, as Nissan vehicles of this generation have known vulnerabilities to surface corrosion. Finally, verify the timing chain or cambelt service interval compliance according to the manufacturer's schedule, and confirm a complete stamped service book along with any supplementary invoices to substantiate the recent suspension repairs.