2018 Nissan Elgrand 3.5L Petrol · FC02 LML

The vehicle presented for its most recent DVSA MOT on 15 September 2025 and achieved a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is the most favourable outcome possible and provides immediate reassurance regarding its present roadworthiness. Reviewing the broader trend across the available test history, the Elgrand has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance profile, passing on four of the last six occasions without comment. There were two failures within the records, in September 2023 relating to an offside front inner driveshaft CV boot, and in September 2022 relating to an excessively binding offside front service brake. The intervening and subsequent passes suggest these issues were addressed promptly at the time, with no recurrence noted in the most recent examinations. The advisory notices issued in 2020 regarding rear brake disc wear and 2021 concerning brake pipe corrosion are typical ageing-related observations for a vehicle of this vintage and have not reappeared in subsequent test entries, indicating that remedial work or further deterioration has not yet warranted tester attention. With 77,360 miles recorded over an eight-year period, this Elgrand has covered approximately 9,670 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of its age and class. This rate suggests neither excessive motorway mileage nor extended periods of standing, both of which can introduce their own distinct mechanical concerns. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent and progressive, with no sudden gaps or unusually low annual figures that might suggest the vehicle has been laid up for significant intervals. For an imported MPV of this type, such steady usage generally supports reasonable condition of the drivetrain, suspension, and braking components, though buyers should remain mindful that high kerbweight vehicles can still suffer accelerated wear on consumables relative to lighter passenger cars. Given the previous advisories relating to rear brake disc surface wear and brake pipe corrosion, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system prior to purchase. The 2020 advisories noted pitting and scoring on both rear brake discs; while not deemed seriously weakened at the time, discs subjected to such surface wear will progressively require replacement, particularly if they have reached or are approaching the manufacturer minimum thickness specification. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal under firm application, which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear. The 2021 advisories concerning brake pipe corrosion covered in grease suggest either preventive treatment or masking of underlying surface corrosion; a careful examination with a torch along the underside of the vehicle, particularly along the fuel and brake lines and around the rear axle area, is advisable to verify structural integrity of the metal pipes, as brake line replacement is both safety-critical and potentially costly. Beyond the recorded MOT findings, several age and mileage appropriate checks are warranted for a 2018 vehicle approaching nine years of service. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking caused by UV exposure and age, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar time regardless of tread depth, and any tyres fitted more than five or six years ago should be considered for replacement regardless of remaining tread. Given the vehicle's weight and the demands placed on the suspension, the condition of coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and suspension bushes warrants inspection for cracks, sagging, or perished rubber, with particular attention to any clonking or knocking noises transmitted over uneven road surfaces during a test drive. The twelve-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as units beyond five years of age frequently exhibit diminished capacity, especially in vehicles fitted with alarm systems and electronic control modules that impose continuous parasitic drain. Finally, confirmation of timely servicing for time-dependent items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, and differential oil is essential, as these fluids degrade chemically with age rather than mileage alone, and verifying service book stamps or maintenance invoices will provide confidence that the vehicle has received appropriate calendar-based attention alongside its evident mileage-based maintenance.