2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · FN15 OOC

With only three MOT records spanning 2023 to 2025 and an unusual pattern of consecutive fail and pass results on near-identical dates in both 2024 and 2025, this Qashqai presents a confusing testing narrative that warrants careful scrutiny. In 2023 the vehicle passed cleanly with no advisories, and it repeated that clean result after what appears to have been a minor rectification between the October 2024 fail and subsequent pass, and again between the October 2025 fail and pass on the following day. While the final outcome is a pass with no recorded defects, the back-to-back fail and pass sequence at identical test centres raises questions about whether items were borderline advisory failures rather than genuine defects, or whether minor issues were addressed in extremely short order. The absence of any recorded advisories across five tests is unusually clean for an eleven-year-old crossover approaching 100,000 miles, and a buyer should view this either as evidence of diligent component replacement between tests or as a record that may not fully reflect borderline wear. The mileage accumulation of around 9,000 miles per year is broadly consistent with average private use for a vehicle of this age and type, suggesting steady rather than extreme service. A Qashqai of this vintage covering typical commuting and family duties would be expected to show wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, and tyres well before the 100,000-mile mark, so even though the test record shows no flagged items, a prospective buyer should anticipate that some of these parts may now be approaching or due for replacement regardless of what the MOT certificate states. The lack of long gaps between tests indicates the vehicle has remained in continuous use, which is generally positive for mechanical health as components have not been left to seize or degrade through standing. Given the clean advisory record but the high mileage, a physical inspection should focus on the components most likely to wear silently on a Qashqai of this age and mileage. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and front strut top mounts, all of which are common wear items on this platform. Feel for any vagueness in steering response or uneven tyre wear on the inside edges, which can point to worn suspension linkages not yet severe enough to flag at MOT. The brakes should be tested with progressively firm pedal pressure from speed, watching for any pull to one side, pulsation through the pedal, or a spongy feel, all of which would suggest worn discs, binding calipers, or compromised hydraulic components despite a clean test. The transmission and drivetrain should be exercised thoroughly, with particular attention to any clutch slip on inclines if the vehicle is manual, or to jerky engagement and hesitant downshifts on an automatic variant, both of which are known concerns on high-mileage Qashqais. Inspect the underside visually or via a ramp for any signs of oil seepage from the engine sump, cam cover, or gearbox, and check the condition of the exhaust system including the cat-back mounting rubbers and rear silencer, as corrosion here is common at this age. Finally, examine the bodywork around the wheel arches, sills, and rear tailgate for any bubbling paint or surface corrosion, as Nissan Qashqais of this generation are known to develop rust in these areas even when mechanically sound, and such issues would not appear on the MOT record but represent genuine long-term concerns for a prospective buyer.