2008 Nissan Elgrand 3.5L Petrol · FH58 KBE

The Nissan Elgrand’s most recent MOT, conducted just three months ago on 1 April 2026 at 135,527 miles, passed but revealed a clear pattern of accelerated brake and tyre wear. Front brake discs and pads—both near and offside—were flagged as worn, pitted, or thinning, while rear pads also showed thinning. The offside front tyre was recorded as dangerously close to the legal limit, a repeat issue from earlier tests. This suggests the vehicle has been driven with suboptimal maintenance, particularly in braking and tyre rotation. While no serious structural or safety-critical failures were noted, the recurring advisories on brake components and tyres indicate a trend of deferred attention to consumable wear. The Elgrand’s mileage accumulation—averaging around 7,529 miles per year—aligns with typical usage for its age, though the gaps between tests reveal inconsistencies. The 2024 MOT at 127,320 miles showed no defects, yet by March 2025 (132,069 miles), only a single tyre advisory reappeared, suggesting a brief period of better upkeep. The 2023 test at 118,732 miles, however, highlighted three tyres near the legal limit and an insecure rear spare wheel carrier, pointing to neglect. The absence of defects in 2022 (110,857 miles) contrasts sharply with the subsequent deterioration, implying either sporadic maintenance or a change in ownership habits. For a prospective buyer, the primary concerns lie in the braking system and tyre condition. The repeated advisories on front brake discs and pads—now showing pitting—warrant immediate inspection to assess whether the issue stems from contaminated discs, binding calipers, or general lack of replacement. Tyres should be checked for uneven wear, as the edge-worn pattern in multiple tests may indicate alignment or suspension issues, particularly in the rear. The 2023 note on the insecure spare wheel carrier, though not repeated, suggests the vehicle’s underbody or load-bearing components should be scrutinised for corrosion or loose fasteners. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough check of suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounts is also advisable, as these are common failure points in high-mileage models.