2004 Nissan Pickup 2.5L Diesel · EY54 AAE

A pattern of minor leaks and front‑suspension wear underpins the mechanical picture of this 2004 Nissan pickup, with the most recent MOT on 10 April 2026 confirming a persistent oil seep that remains below the excessive threshold and a worn off‑side front anti‑roll‑bar linkage pin or bush. Earlier that month the vehicle failed an MOT because of an ABS warning lamp, a non‑functioning off‑side position lamp and an incorrectly aimed front headlamp, indicating that electrical and electronic reliability has been an intermittent issue. Aside from those failures, the record shows a series of advisories rather than repeated outright failures, suggesting that while the vehicle has not been declared unsafe, several components are approaching the end of their service life. At 206,884 mi over roughly 22 years the average annual accumulation sits near 9,400 mi, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a work‑oriented pickup. The MOT history shows no prolonged gaps in testing, with annual examinations from 2020 onward, so the mileage appears to reflect steady, regular use rather than long periods of storage or sudden high‑kilometre runs that could conceal hidden wear. Consequently, consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension bushings are likely to be at or beyond typical service intervals and should be inspected with mileage‑related wear in mind. The oil leak noted on every MOT since 2020 points to a source that may be a valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or crankcase vent; on a road test the driver should watch for oil spots on the garage floor after a short journey and feel for any oil on the under‑tray. The worn off‑side front anti‑roll‑bar bush can manifest as a loose feel when cornering or a clunk over bumps; a visual inspection should verify the condition of the bush and the integrity of the linkage pin. The near‑side front wheel bearing advisory from early 2025 warrants listening for a low‑frequency hum or grinding when the wheel is turned, and checking for play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position. Rear shock‑absorber bush wear and slight leaf‑spring shackle wear noted in 2021 and 2020 may produce a soft or uneven ride and should be examined for excessive movement or corrosion at the mounting points. Electrical reliability requires particular attention: the ABS warning lamp that triggered a failure in March 2026 suggests a fault in the wheel‑speed sensor circuit or the ABS control unit, which can lead to reduced braking stability, while the repeated position‑lamp and headlamp failures indicate possible wiring harness deterioration or bulb socket corrosion. The brake‑efficiency advisory from March 2026, where rear service brake performance only just met the minimum, should be verified by a brake pedal feel test for sponginess or pull, and the corroded brake pipe noted in 2021 must be inspected for rust, leaks or compromised mounting. Addressing these items—oil leak repair, anti‑roll‑bar bush replacement, wheel bearing and suspension bush checks, brake pipe refurbishment, and full diagnosis of the ABS and lighting faults—will be essential to bring the vehicle to a robust road‑worthy condition and to avoid unexpected breakdowns after purchase.