2005 Nissan D22 2.5L Diesel · GD54 DYC

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 17 May 2024 resulted in a pass, accompanied by an advisory for slight play in the prop shaft bearing, a minor defect for a defective front wiper blade, and an advisory noting vehicle structure corrosion that does not yet compromise rigidity. The trend across recent tests is largely stable in terms of pass outcomes, but the underlying advisories reveal a slowly worsening picture of chassis and structural corrosion, recurring prop shaft wear, and a prior history of a substantial structural failure in early 2019. While the vehicle has not failed outright since 2019, the same categories of defect, namely corrosion, prop shaft condition, and suspension mounting integrity, continue to be flagged, which suggests that remediation has been partial or temporary rather than a definitive repair. A prospective buyer should therefore treat the pass certificate as an indication of legal compliance only and not as evidence of mechanical soundness. With a recorded mileage of 147,960 miles over approximately 21 years, the vehicle has averaged around 7,046 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working pickup of this age. There is no evidence in the MOT history of extended gaps in testing or any sharp discontinuities in recorded mileage that would point to long periods of standing, although the lower-than-average annual figure could include some quieter periods of use. At this mileage on a 2005 Nissan D22, the engine, gearbox, clutch, and drivetrain components are well into the second half of their expected service life, and consumable wear rates for items such as bushes, bearings, and fluid-sealed components tend to accelerate. Buyers should therefore not be reassured by the moderate annual figure alone, as a high cumulative mileage still places considerable accumulated stress on mechanical parts. The recurring advisories for prop shaft bearing play and a worn central prop shaft joint deserve particular attention. Prop shaft bearings support the rotating shaft and isolate vibration from the cabin, so play in this area can produce a discernible drumming or vibration through the floor, often most apparent at a steady cruising speed or under light load. If left unattended, a failing bearing can lead to shaft misalignment, excessive wear on universal joints, and ultimately driveline imbalance. During a test drive, listen for clunks on take-up of drive, changes in pitch with throttle, and any vibration that pulses through the seats or steering column. A garage inspection of the prop shaft, including checking the centre bearing rubber for cracking and confirming minimal lateral play, would be a sensible precaution, and budgeting for a prop shaft overhaul or replacement is a realistic consideration on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The structural advisories are arguably the more pressing concern and warrant close physical inspection. The 2019 failure for excessively corroded rear suspension mounting areas on the rear chassis crossmembers is a serious finding, and although the vehicle has passed since, the persistent advisories for chassis corrosion, corroded brake pipes, and corroded structural areas indicate that corrosion remains an active, ongoing issue. On a vehicle of this vintage, particularly one used in demanding roles, chassis integrity is paramount, and prospective buyers should arrange a thorough examination on a ramp, paying close attention to brake line condition, rear chassis rails, crossmember strength, suspension arm attachment points, and exhaust mounting areas. Additional age-related items worth checking include perishing of tyre sidewalls and cracking of rubber bushes despite adequate tread, brake disc corrosion and caliper binding from standing, 12V battery health, and the condition and age of cooling system, brake fluid, and gearbox and differential oils. The power steering fluid being close to minimum in 2020 and the thin front brake pads noted at the same time also suggest that fluid and consumable servicing may have been deferred, so verifying recent service history and considering a full fluid refresh would be prudent before purchase.