2020 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · FP20 AAX

Real-world fuel economy for the 1.3-litre petrol Qashqai typically falls in the 38 to 44 mpg range depending on driving style, which translates to roughly £1,400 to £1,700 per year in fuel for an average driver covering 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Road tax sits in a modest band for a Euro 6d petrol SUV, and the vehicle avoids the premium-rate diesel surcharge entirely. Insurance for the Qashqai in this trim tends to fall in groups 14 to 18, which is competitive for the family crossover class.

Routine maintenance costs are reasonable, with standard servicing intervals and widely available parts keeping labour costs down at independent garages. Budget roughly £180 to £250 for a main dealer service and £120 to £170 at an independent specialist. Tyres, brake pads, and discs are the most frequently replaced consumables and align with the aggregate MOT failure data for the model, where these items appear as the top three reasons for failure across the 574,821-strong sample. Setting aside a contingency of around £200 per year for wear-and-tear items is sensible.

Begin the inspection by replicating the MOT findings: check the offside front tyre tread depth with a gauge and look for wear on the inside or outside edge, which was specifically flagged in March 2025 at 2.9mm. Given that tyres are the leading MOT failure reason for the Qashqai model as a whole, a thorough check of all four tyres, including the spare or inflation kit if fitted, is essential. Look for matching brands and consistent tread patterns, as mismatched tyres can indicate rushed replacements.

The aggregate data for the Qashqai highlights headlamp issues as the second most common MOT failure, so inspect both headlamp lenses for condensation, stone chips, and correct alignment, and confirm that all bulbs function correctly. Brake components rank third in the model failure list, so check pad厚度 through the wheel spokes and listen for any grinding or squealing during a test drive. For the 1.3-litre DIG-T engine specifically, listen for any rattles on cold start, which can indicate timing chain stretch, and check for oil leaks around the front of the engine and turbocharger area. Finally, inspect the bodywork for parking damage, particularly around the rear bumper and alloy wheels, which are common on family crossovers of this size and age.