2011 Nissan Juke 1.6L Petrol · GF11 WGU

The most recent MOT recorded on 11 June 2026 resulted in a failure, the examiner citing excessive play in both front track‑rod end ball joints as a major defect. Although a concurrent pass entry notes the rear tow‑ball missing and tyre wear approaching the legal limit, the presence of a major safety‑critical fault supersedes the pass and means the vehicle would not have been road‑legal until the suspension issue was rectified. Over the past three years the pattern shows a steady accumulation of major suspension and steering component wear, compounded by recurring brake‑pad thinning, front‑brake disc pitting and a split CV boot, indicating a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than an improvement. At 133 624 miles the Juke has averaged roughly 8 900 miles per year since its 2011 launch, a usage level that sits squarely within the normal UK range for a vehicle of this age. The mileage does not suggest any periods of prolonged idling, but the repeated suspension failures imply that the vehicle may have been subjected to relatively aggressive driving or load‑bearing conditions, accelerating wear on bushings, ball joints and the lower control arms. The relatively modest annual figure does not offset the need to treat the mileage as a sign that wear items are likely approaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should give the front steering and suspension assembly the highest priority. Inspect both track‑rod ends for excessive play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position; any clunk, looseness or uneven steering feel on a low‑speed test drive is a clear symptom of the reported ball‑joint failure. The lower control‑arm ball joints and bushings on each side have also been flagged as excessively worn, so a visual check for torn rubber, metal‑to‑metal contact and any audible knock when braking or traversing bumps is essential. The constant‑velocity joint on the near‑side inner drive shaft showed a split boot, so look for grease leakage around the joint and listen for a whine that changes with engine speed, which would indicate impending CV failure. Front brake pads are thin and the discs are pitted; expect reduced braking efficiency and possible shudder under hard braking – replacement of pads and likely resurfacing or fitting new discs should be budgeted. The rear brake pads are also thin, and the rear exhaust box shows deterioration and rattles, so a thorough inspection for cracks or perforations is advisable. Beyond the immediate safety items, the tyre condition demands attention: the near‑side rear tyre is at the legal wear limit and the off‑side rear tyre exhibits tread cracking, both of which can be exacerbated by age‑related rubber perishing. Replace any tyre with sidewall cracks or uneven wear, and verify that the remaining tyres are within the 2 mm tread depth. Check the oil filter and look for any oil seepage around the engine bay, as an advisory noted a minor leak that could develop into a larger issue. Given the vehicle’s 15‑year age, a load‑test of the 12 V battery, a full service of all engine fluids (coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil) and a visual inspection for rust on the chassis, especially around the rear suspension mounting points, are prudent steps before committing to purchase.