2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · FP16 OUH

The Nissan Qashqai’s MOT history presents a mixed but ultimately stable roadworthiness profile, with only minor and largely resolved issues over the past three years. The most recent test in February 2026 at 40,173 miles passed without defects, suggesting the vehicle was in a sound state at that time. Prior to that, the February 2025 failure was a straightforward windscreen washer issue—an easily rectified minor fault—while the 2024 and 2023 tests revealed more concerning trends. Tyre damage and suspension wear were flagged repeatedly, though these appear to have been addressed before the latest pass. The absence of major defects in structural integrity, brakes, or emissions indicates no systemic neglect, but the recurring advisories on tyres and suspension components warrant closer scrutiny. The Qashqai’s mileage accumulation has been exceptionally low for its age, averaging just over 4,000 miles per year since 2023. This suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate certain forms of wear—particularly rubber degradation (tyres, suspension bushes) and corrosion in exposed components. The gap between the 2023 test (32,199 miles) and the 2024 test (33,871 miles) covers roughly 17 months, during which only 1,672 miles were added, reinforcing the pattern of light usage. Such low mileage may reduce stress on the engine and transmission, but it also means components like tyres and suspension may have aged without the natural "exercise" that regular driving provides. For a prospective buyer, the primary areas demanding immediate inspection are the suspension and tyres. The 2024 MOT highlighted severely deteriorated dust covers on both front suspension arm ball joints, which could mask deeper wear or contamination—this should be checked for play, leaks, or corrosion. The repeated tyre advisories (edge wear in 2023, cracking in 2024) suggest alignment issues or underinflation may have been present, so a thorough check for uneven tread and sidewall integrity is essential. While the brakes were never flagged, the low mileage history means brake pads and discs may have degraded slowly; a visual inspection of pad thickness and disc condition is prudent. Exhaust emissions were never mentioned, but given the vehicle’s age, a pre-purchase emissions test could confirm no hidden catalytic converter or sensor failures. The Qashqai’s history does not reveal any red flags regarding structural integrity or major mechanical failures, but the pattern of light use means some components may have been overlooked. The buyer should treat the suspension and tyres as high-priority inspection points, given their recurring advisories, and verify whether the vehicle has been stored in conditions that could accelerate corrosion or rubber degradation. Overall, the car appears mechanically sound, but its low mileage raises questions about whether routine maintenance was consistently prioritised.