2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · FD64 UHS

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 July 2026 recorded a Pass, however it was achieved immediately after a Fail on 8 July 2026 and carries four brake pad advisories alongside a noted lamp lens defect, indicating that rectification work was carried out between the two tests. Reviewing the history over the past four years, the maintenance trend is mixed rather than reassuring. The vehicle has experienced a failure in each of the last three test cycles, with recurring advisories for front lower suspension arm inner bushes first noted in 2023, progressing to a Major defect in 2026 when the bushes were deemed excessively split with play. Brake component wear advisories have similarly escalated, with pitted or scored discs noted in 2023 and 2025 and brake pad wear flagged across all four corners in 2026, demonstrating a steady deterioration rather than stable condition. While the current Pass is legally valid, the pattern suggests a vehicle that has been kept just within roadworthiness tolerances rather than one subjected to proactive component renewal. At 136,587 miles over approximately twelve years, the Qashqai is averaging around 11,382 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its class and generation, neither indicating heavy commercial use nor extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage, and the annual accumulation appears consistent, which is beneficial in terms of avoiding the standing-corrosion and dry-joint issues that afflict low-use vehicles. Nevertheless, 136,587 miles places this car firmly into high-mileage territory for a 2014 Qashqai, and the cumulative wear on timing chains, dual-clutch or CVT internals (depending on transmission variant), turbocharger components, and engine ancillaries should not be underestimated. At this odometer reading, evidence of cambelt or timing chain replacement history, transmission fluid changes, and coolant renewal becomes particularly relevant to the prospective buyer. The most pressing mechanical concern arising from the MOT history is the front suspension. The inner bushes on both lower control arms were first flagged as worn in 2023, and by 2026 they had deteriorated to the point of dangerous excess play, requiring replacement for the vehicle to pass. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to vague steering response, tramlining on poor road surfaces, or uneven inner-edge tyre tread wear, all of which would suggest the replacement bushes are themselves wearing prematurely or that the suspension geometry has been disturbed. It is essential to confirm whether genuine new bushes were fitted with a workshop invoice and to inspect the front tyres carefully, as the 2026 test recorded both front tyres at below 1.6mm tread depth, meaning replacement rubber was also mandatory. New tyres should be confirmed and examined for any signs of uneven wear patterns indicating underlying geometry issues. Beyond the documented defects, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection reflecting both the vehicle's age and its high mileage. The brake discs were repeatedly flagged as pitted or scored across all four corners in 2025, and although brake pads were recently replaced, the discs may still exhibit corrosion lips at the outer edges; on test drive, any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or grinding noises would indicate the discs also require replacement. The offside rear brake was noted as binding slightly in 2024, which can lead to premature pad wear and elevated rear hub temperatures; check that the rear wheels rotate freely when cold and listen for any drag-related scraping. With over a decade of service and high annual mileage, attention should also be given to age-related deterioration not captured by MOT testing, including tyre sidewall perishing and cracking from ozone exposure, the condition and charge state of the 12-volt battery, the integrity of cooling and heater hoses, the state of the exhaust system including mounting rubbers and catalytic converter security, and verification that major service items such as spark plugs, drive belts, and all fluid changes have been carried out at manufacturer-recommended intervals. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent specialist, ideally including a hydraulic ramp examination and diagnostic read of any stored powertrain fault codes, would be strongly advisable given the documented wear pattern and accumulated mileage.