2017 Nissan Cabstar 3.0L Diesel · FN17 RFF

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 28 January 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which on the surface presents a positive outcome. However, this pass follows a failure recorded the day before on 27 January 2026, where dangerous tyre defects and a brake pad advisory were identified, suggesting the vehicle was returned to the test station for a retest after remedial work was carried out. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend shows a gradual worsening over the past three years, with the previously clean record from 2021 to 2023 now giving way to advisories for brake pad wear in 2025 and 2026, a deteriorating upper shock absorber bush in 2024, and the dangerous tyre failures in 2026. This trajectory indicates that consumable wear items are beginning to accumulate, consistent with the heavy commercial use of this Nissan Cabstar, and prospective buyers should anticipate further maintenance demands over the coming year. With recorded mileage of 120,724 miles over approximately nine years, the vehicle is averaging around 13,414 miles per year, which is high for its age and typical of a light commercial vehicle that may have seen continuous working use. The MOT history shows tests conducted annually without any unusually large gaps, consistent with regular operation rather than long periods of standing. Higher annual mileage of this nature places greater strain on engine, drivetrain, clutch, suspension, and braking components, accelerating the wear of items such as clutches, dual-mass flywheels, gearbox mountings, and turbochargers. It is therefore important to verify that the van has been serviced strictly in line with Nissan commercial vehicle schedules, including timely replacement of cambelt, diesel fuel filter, and gearbox oil, and that there is documentary evidence of injector and EGR cleaning where appropriate for the engine variant. Given the dangerous tyre failures on the offside rear pair and nearside front in January 2026, any prospective buyer should confirm exactly what remedial action was taken and inspect the present tyres carefully for correct sizing, load rating, and even wear across the tread, since commercial vans frequently suffer from uneven wear caused by overloading, incorrect tracking, or heavy rear axle loading. The advisory for front brake pads wearing thin combined with the 2025 advisory for rear brake pads suggests the entire braking system should be examined; test drive expectations include checking for brake shudder, pulling to one side under heavy pedal application, and any grinding or squealing from worn pads contacting the discs. The nearside front upper shock absorber bush advisory from 2024 is also worth investigating, as worn suspension bushes on commercial vehicles typically produce audible clonking over speed humps and uneven bumps, along with vague or wandering steering. An inspection on a ramp would be advisable to check for play in the suspension links, condition of the coil springs, and any seepage from the shock absorbers themselves. Beyond the recorded MOT items, the higher mileage and commercial application of this Cabstar warrant additional age and use-appropriate checks. Although no corrosion advisories have been recorded, commercial vehicles often suffer from hidden structural corrosion around chassis rails, wheel arches, and load bed supports, so a thorough underside examination with attention to floor pan integrity and chassis cross members is essential. Given the age of the vehicle, the 12-volt battery should be load-tested, brake fluid should be checked for moisture content and replaced if older than two years, and coolant strength verified for adequate antifreeze protection. Diesel particulate filter condition is a known concern on Nissan commercial diesels of this era, particularly under frequent short-journey urban use, so a sustained test drive should include at least twenty minutes of sustained running on a faster road to confirm there is no DPF warning lamp, loss of power, or active regeneration issues. Finally, the clutch should be evaluated for slipping under load, the gearbox for any whining or jumping out of gear, and the steering rack for play or leaks, all of which represent common high-mileage commercial vehicle wear points that would not necessarily appear on an MOT but would significantly affect ongoing ownership costs.