2020 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · FP70 AAO

The defining mechanical characteristic of this 2020 Nissan Qashqai is the appearance of paired front suspension advisories at its most recent test. After two completely clean passes in 2023 and 2024, the November 2025 examination recorded wear to both the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes. While neither defect was sufficient to trigger a failure, the symmetry of the advisories suggests the front lower arm bushes are reaching the end of their effective service life simultaneously rather than being an isolated incident on one side. This is a common pattern on Qashqais of this generation, where the front suspension geometry carries a relatively high load and the rubber bushes degrade progressively with mileage and age. The presence of these advisories at under 44,000 miles indicates the components have done their work through urban and suburban use rather than excessive mileage, and the trend from a clean record to emerging wear is the key consideration for a prospective buyer. Recorded mileage of 43,918 miles over roughly six years equates to an annual accumulation of around 7,320 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no extended gaps between tests that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for long periods, and the roughly 12 to 14 month intervals between MOT examinations are consistent with continuous road use. The mileage progression between tests is also steady, with no sudden jumps that might indicate clocking or disputed readings. From a mechanical perspective, this kind of moderate, consistent usage tends to keep lubricants circulating, prevents seals from drying out, and avoids the corrosion risks associated with vehicles that sit unused for prolonged spells, though it does mean the suspension, brakes and tyres have all experienced normal working wear. Given that the front suspension arm bushes are now flagged on both sides, a test drive should focus specifically on the front end behaviour over uneven surfaces. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps, potholes or kerbs, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or delay in steering response during direction changes, as worn bushes allow the arm to shift under load and can produce a slight shimmy through the steering wheel. Cornering on uneven tarmac at moderate speed will exaggerate any excess movement, so a feeling of looseness or a faint rattle over rougher sections warrants further investigation. With the vehicle unladen and stationary, a second person rocking each front wheel while watching the lower arm area can confirm whether the movement has progressed beyond an advisory state since the test. Beyond the suspension, the rest of the recorded history is unblemished, with no brake, exhaust, corrosion or lighting advisories across three tests. However, the Qashqai's known weak points outside the MOT record should still be assessed on inspection, including the rear brake drums or discs for binding calipers, the underbody and subframe mounting areas for any surface corrosion consistent with UK winter road conditions, and the exhaust system for blowing joints or heat shield rattle. On the test drive, monitor for any pulling under braking, a soft or spongy pedal feel, or vibrations through the steering column, as the front brake discs can also suffer from lipping and run-out as the vehicle accumulates mileage. Checking the service book for evidence of regular fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and coolant, will help establish whether the ancillary systems have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules, even though MOT records cannot confirm servicing compliance directly.