2018 Nissan Pulsar 1.5L Diesel · FG18 GYX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 March 2026, though it should be noted that this pass was achieved just three days after a prior failure on 23 March 2026, indicating that remedial work was carried out in a very short window to bring the car up to roadworthy condition. The immediate cause of that failure was a major defect recorded against both front coil springs, classified as fractured or broken, which represents a significant structural and safety-related suspension failure. Alongside this, an advisory was issued on both the pass and the failure for the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and showing inner edge wear, suggesting an ongoing geometry or suspension-related concern. Looking back through the previous three years of testing in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the car passed cleanly with no defects recorded, which implies that the suspension and tyre wear issues are a relatively recent development rather than a long-standing chronic problem, but the sudden appearance of a major structural failure does warrant close scrutiny of the remaining suspension components. With a recorded mileage of 57,490 miles over an eight-year lifecycle, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,186 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and class. There are no unusual gaps in the recorded mileage progression between test dates, and no evidence of rapid accumulation that would suggest high-mileage drivetrain fatigue, such as premature clutch wear or excessive engine oil consumption. Equally, the annual figure is not so low as to indicate prolonged periods of standing, which can bring their own issues with brake caliper seizure, brake disc surface corrosion, and tyre perishing. The mileage is therefore consistent with regular moderate use, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity provided that routine servicing has been kept up to date and that the major components have not been unduly stressed. Given that both front coil springs were replaced or repaired just prior to the March 2026 pass, a prospective buyer should satisfy themselves as to whether only the springs were renewed, or whether the underlying cause such as worn suspension bushes, droplinks, or strut top mountings was also addressed. Inner edge tyre wear on the nearside front is frequently indicative of misalignment, worn lower suspension joints, or a weakened spring altering camber geometry, so it is important to verify that the tracking has been checked and corrected, and that the replacement tyres are wearing uniformly across the tread surface. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, any vagueness or wandering from the steering, and any pulling to one side under braking, all of which would suggest that the repair has not fully resolved the underlying geometry issue. The nearside front tyre should be physically inspected for remaining tread depth and for any feathering or stepped wear on the inner shoulder, as the advisory suggests this was already a borderline condition at the time of test. Beyond the documented advisories, a car of this age and mileage warrants a number of standard condition checks regardless of its MOT outcome. The brake discs and calipers should be examined for any signs of corrosion or seizing, particularly given that the front brake components will have absorbed additional stress if the fractured springs were present for any length of time. The condition and age of the 12 volt battery should be established, as Nissan electrical systems of this era can be sensitive to voltage drop, and a battery older than five years is increasingly prone to cold-start failure. Tyres on the rear axle and any older sidewalls should be checked for perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate. Finally, verify that the service book contains evidence of regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, that the coolant and brake fluid have been renewed on a time basis rather than purely mileage, and that there are no fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or power steering system, all of which would provide reassurance that the car has been mechanically maintained to a standard commensurate with its age and recorded usage.