2005 Nissan Terrano 2.7L Diesel · FH05 LSD

A recurring pattern of anti-roll bar linkage wear and chassis corrosion dominates the mechanical profile of this 2005 Nissan Terrano. Across four consecutive tests from 2022 onwards, near and offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints were first flagged with slight play, then progressively deteriorated until all four linkages were declared excessively worn at the February 2025 retest, resulting in four Major defects. The same inspection that identified these Majors also recorded corrosion at suspension component mounting prescribed areas across all chassis crossmembers, an advisory that has reappeared on every test since 2024. The most recent examination on 2 March 2026 passed with no advisories at all, suggesting the anti-roll bar components were replaced prior to that test, but the underlying chassis corrosion noted previously cannot be cured by component renewal and remains a long-term structural concern. An additional advisory from February 2025 noted a minor exhaust gas leak, and an earlier test in 2022 recorded a nearside front upper suspension arm as corroded but not seriously weakened, both of which warrant physical inspection. Annual mileage of approximately 3,527 miles over 21 years is notably low for an off-road oriented vehicle of this type, and the test record itself reflects irregular use with a three and a half year gap between the June 2019 test and the November 2022 test. Such extended periods of standing are consistent with the deteriorated CV boot and severely deteriorated boot flagged in 2019, items that typically suffer when grease distribution ceases during prolonged inactivity. The tyre wear advisories and the dangerous tread depth failure recorded in late 2022 suggest uneven use or prolonged parking contributing to flat-spotting and accelerated shoulder wear, and the front power steering seepage noted in 2019 indicates seals that have likely aged further in the intervening years. While the recent test passed cleanly, the low accumulation rate means components such as brake calipers, brake flexible hoses, and the exhaust system may have suffered from surface oxidation even if their functional mileage exposure has been limited. Any prospective buyer should physically inspect all four anti-roll bar linkages and the drop links for renewed or original fitment, pressing each ball joint by hand to detect any residual play, as the pattern of wear on this vehicle has historically progressed from slight play to excessive wear within a two-year window. The chassis crossmembers and suspension mounting areas should be examined on a ramp for any advancement beyond surface corrosion, paying particular attention to box sections, subframe mounts, and the nearside front upper suspension arm that was previously flagged. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front and rear anti-roll bars over uneven surfaces and during direction changes, and feel for vague or imprecise cornering response which would indicate worn bushes or ball joints. The exhaust system should be listened to at idle for any ticking or hissing that would confirm the minor leak noted in 2025, and the front power steering pipes and rack should be checked for fresh seepage around the component area flagged in 2019. The brake system also merits direct attention, as the 2022 advisory regarding rear brake imbalance just meeting requirements suggests the rear calipers or adjusters may have seized during the vehicle's prolonged standing periods. On a test drive, the pedal should feel firm and the vehicle should pull up straight without any rear locking or pulling to one side under moderate braking. The nearside front drive shaft CV boot that was split in 2022 requires visual inspection for any grease loss or re-splitting, as contamination ingress accelerates joint wear considerably. Finally, given the age of the vehicle and the documented chassis corrosion pattern, a thorough underside inspection for structural integrity around mounting points, jacking areas, and the spare wheel well is strongly advisable before purchase, as areas flagged as not significantly reduced in 2018 may have progressed given the intervening years and limited use.