2009 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel · FN09 JZP

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 February 2024 resulted in a Pass, although the vehicle was issued an advisory noting play in the steering rack inner joints on both the nearside and offside. This advisory is the continuation of a clear pattern observed across the 2023 and 2017 tests, indicating that steering rack inner joint wear has been an ongoing concern rather than an isolated or rectified issue. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears to be stable in the sense that the vehicle continues to pass its roadworthiness tests each year, but a deeper reading reveals a persistent and worsening theme of front suspension and steering component degradation. The 2023 test introduced advisories for upper suspension arm ball joint play and a deteriorated dust cover, while earlier years showed worn lower suspension arm pins and bushes. Additionally, the 2022 test noted a minor exhaust gas leak at the central front section, suggesting exhaust joint or flexi-pipe wear. There are no failures since the 2018 test, but the recurring advisories confirm that mechanical wear is accumulating on the front axle components and should not be ignored. With 116,512 miles recorded over approximately 17 years of use, this Nissan Navara has averaged around 6,854 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and class. However, the MOT history reveals a notable gap between the January 2021 test and the January 2022 test, and another between the 2024 test and the present date, indicating periods of low or irregular use. Such gaps, particularly over the last two and a half years, raise the possibility of standing-related deterioration, including brake disc corrosion, brake pad seizure against calipers, and ageing of rubber components throughout the chassis. While the recorded mileage does not suggest heavy commercial abuse, the combination of age and the front-end wear pattern recorded in the advisories points to a vehicle that is genuinely working through its consumable and chassis component lifecycle. Given the recurring advisories on the steering rack inner joints and front suspension arm components, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, particularly at low speeds, as worn upper arm ball joints and lower arm pin or bush wear often manifest in this way. Pay close attention to steering precision, as inner joint play typically produces vague or wandering steering response, and any clunking or rattling through the steering column over rough roads would suggest the joints have deteriorated beyond advisory level. Inspect the upper arm ball joint dust covers for splits, as the 2023 advisory noted a severely deteriorated offside cover which would now demand immediate attention. Additionally, the 2022 exhaust leak advisory means the central front exhaust section should be inspected for black soot deposits around joints, audible ticking under acceleration, or any strong exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The track rod end failure recorded in 2018 was rectified, but the corresponding components should be checked for renewed wear, as these parts often fail progressively over time. Beyond the advisories, the age and likely periods of standing demand further practical inspection. Check all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, as seventeen-year-old rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth, and verify the manufacturing date on the sidewall to ensure tyres are not excessively old. Examine the brake discs for severe corrosion pitting or lipping, particularly on the rear axle where standing use commonly leads to rust accumulation, and confirm the calipers are releasing freely without binding. The 12V battery should be load tested, as batteries beyond five years old frequently fail without warning, and all fluid services should be verified by service history, with brake fluid, coolant, and differential or transfer box oils replaced on a calendar basis if evidence of recent servicing is absent. Given the vehicle's age, it is also prudent to inspect the chassis and structural members for any corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear leaf spring hangers, as commercial-derived pick-ups of this generation are known to suffer in this area.