2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · FD67 JVA

Front lower suspension arm dust‑cover deterioration emerges as the defining mechanical theme for this 2017 Nissan Qashqai. The 2025 MOT recorded severe deterioration of the dust covers on both nearside and offside front lower suspension arms, and the 2024 test added advisories for worn pins or bushes on the same arms, although movement was not yet excessive. Tyre condition has also been highlighted repeatedly, with rear tyre perishing advisories in 2025 and a cut on the offside front tyre noted in 2024. The most recent MOT on 8 July 2026 passed with no defects, showing that no new failures have arisen, but the earlier advisories indicate a pattern of progressive front‑suspension wear that has yet to be rectified. With 37 626 mi recorded over roughly nine years, the vehicle averages about 4 200 mi per annum, a mileage level that is low for its age. Such limited use reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and brake components, yet it can also mean prolonged periods of inactivity, which may accelerate rubber ageing in tyres and seals. The MOT history shows annual testing without significant gaps, suggesting the mileage figure is reliable and that the vehicle has been regularly presented for inspection, but the low annual accumulation does not eliminate the need to verify the condition of consumables that can degrade with time as well as use. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front lower suspension assemblies. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any looseness when steering at low speed, and check that the wheels track straight without pulling to either side. Visual inspection should confirm that the dust‑cover plates are intact and that the arm pins and bushes show no excessive play or corrosion; replacement of these components is a common remedy for the recorded advisories. The rear tyres flagged as slightly damaged or perishing in 2025 should be examined for sidewall cracks, tread depth loss, or any signs of dry rot, and the offside front tyre cut noted in 2024 must be measured to ensure it has not progressed to the ply, as deeper damage would require immediate replacement. The headlamp aim failure recorded in September 2022 should be verified as corrected, with both front lamps centred on the reference lines when the vehicle is stationary on a level surface. Additionally, re‑inspection of the front suspension pins and bushes is advisable, as the 2024 advisory indicated wear that could develop into excessive movement if left unattended. Checking for any uneven tyre wear, especially on the front pair, can also reveal lingering suspension issues. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection that includes these targeted checks will provide a clear picture of whether the underlying wear highlighted by the MOT record has been addressed or will require remedial work after purchase.