2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · FD18 JUT

The most recent DVSA MOT test was conducted on 31 March 2026 and resulted in a pass, with no defects or advisories recorded by the examiner. Reviewing the complete test history available, the vehicle has achieved a pass at every annual assessment from May 2022 through to the present, each time without any advisories being issued against tyres, brakes, suspension, exhaust emissions, lighting, or structural integrity. The absence of any advisory notes across five consecutive tests is a positive indicator, suggesting that wear-related items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and exhaust components have not yet reached the threshold where an examiner would flag them. This consistent pattern points to a stable maintenance trend with no obvious deterioration in roadworthy condition over the observed period, although the lack of recorded advisories should not be interpreted as a substitute for a thorough physical inspection given the vehicle's age. The recorded mileage of 35,018 miles over an eight-year period equates to an annual average of approximately 4,377 miles, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age and class. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-consumption components such as the clutch, turbocharger internals, and drivetrain, it introduces its own set of age-related concerns that arise from prolonged standing periods. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from surface corrosion and seizing when a vehicle is used only intermittently, particularly during winter months when road salt accelerates oxidation. Similarly, fluids such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid degrade on a time basis rather than purely by mileage, meaning they may be due for replacement even though the odometer reading remains low. Diesel Particulate Filter or petrol catalyst efficiency can also be affected by predominantly short journeys, and this is worth verifying through a diagnostic scan if the vehicle has been used primarily for urban driving. For a prospective buyer, the clean MOT history should be regarded as encouraging but not conclusive, and a structured physical inspection remains essential given the low-mileage profile. Begin with the tyres, paying close attention to sidewall condition rather than just tread depth; an eight-year-old tyre, even with unused tread remaining, can develop perishing and cracking in the rubber compound due to UV exposure and age, and any tyres bearing a DOT date code earlier than 2022 should be replaced regardless of tread wear. Inspect all four brake discs for lipping and surface rust, and confirm that the caliper slides move freely without binding, as seized calipers are common on low-use vehicles and manifest as uneven pad wear or a pulling sensation under braking. Check the 12V battery using a load tester or by measuring resting voltage after the vehicle has been parked overnight; a battery older than five years is likely nearing the end of its service life, particularly if the car has been used sporadically. Verify the service book history and ensure that time-based services have been carried out, particularly the brake fluid change which is typically due every two years regardless of mileage, and confirm the coolant and gearbox oil have been renewed within their manufacturer-recommended intervals. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed humps or uneven road surfaces, as the anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, and drop links on the Qashqai are known to deteriorate with age and prolonged standing can accelerate dry rot in rubber components. Check for uneven tyre wear across the axle, which would indicate alignment issues or worn suspension bushes rather than simple tyre ageing. Ensure the engine reaches operating temperature promptly and that the cooling fan cycles correctly, as low-mileage vehicles can develop sticky thermostats and degraded coolant. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after ignition and that there are no stored fault codes in the engine management or ABS systems, requesting a pre-purchase diagnostic scan if possible to identify any intermittent issues that would not yet have triggered an MOT failure but may be indicative of developing concerns.