2008 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · FN08 YXC

The most recent MOT inspection for this 2008 Nissan Qashqai passed on 28 October 2025, but the vehicle's maintenance history reveals a concerning trend regarding structural corrosion and component wear. While the vehicle has successfully passed its recent tests, there is a persistent pattern of advisories related to the rear sub-frame and suspension arms that has been present for several years. Although these issues have not yet progressed to a failure for structural weakness, the recurring nature of these advisories suggests a gradual degradation of the chassis and running gear. The maintenance profile appears reactive rather than preventative, as evidenced by previous failures involving critical safety items such as brake pad thickness, parking brake efficiency, and coil spring mountings. With 128,847 miles recorded over approximately 18 years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 7,158 miles per year. This represents relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age, which often implies lighter usage or periods of the vehicle standing idle. While lower mileage can reduce wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can also lead to secondary issues such as fluid degradation, rubber component perishing, and brake corrosion from lack of use. In this specific case, the low mileage has not prevented the onset of significant corrosion, which is a common issue for vehicles of this era that may have been exposed to road salt during infrequent trips. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the ongoing corrosion noted on the rear sub-frame and suspension arms. During a test drive, listen closely for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises from the rear of the vehicle, particularly when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these are classic symptoms of worn suspension bushes or weakened mounting points. The recent advisory for thinning rear brake pads indicates that a brake service or pad replacement will be required in the near future. You should also inspect the front brake discs for signs of heavy pitting or scoring, as previous records show they have been worn or scored in the past. Any vibration through the brake pedal during deceleration could indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Furthermore, the history of oil leaks and previous failures regarding the parking brake and suspension components necessitates a thorough underside inspection. Check for any fresh fluid leaks around the engine and transmission, and verify that the parking brake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. Given the age and the reported corrosion, check the condition of the tyre sidewalls for any signs of cracking or perishing, which can occur even if tread depth remains legal. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that essential maintenance, such as timing chain inspections or fluid changes, has been carried out despite the relatively low annual mileage, as calendar-based degradation is a significant factor for an 18-year-old vehicle.