2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · HB61 ALB

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status following a pass on May 18, 2026, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive repairs. While the car passed its most recent test, it failed initially due to an inoperative engine management light, indicating a significant electronic fault was ignored or cleared just before the retest. The presence of a front oil leak and corroded suspension components in the latest record suggests the owner is only addressing faults when they threaten an MOT certificate, rather than performing preventative mechanical care. At 147,020 miles over 15 years, the Qashqai averages approximately 9,800 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent use, with roughly 16,000 miles covered between March 2024 and May 2025, and another 12,300 miles between May 2025 and May 2026. This steady mileage puts constant stress on wear-related components, which explains the recurring issues with brakes and suspension hardware noted throughout the history. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The record shows a history of play in the steering rack inner joints and worn offside rear ball joints, alongside persistent corrosion on rear suspension arms. These areas should be checked for excessive movement or further structural degradation. Furthermore, the 2024 test flagged thin brake pads and pitted discs on the rear axle; the current state must be verified to ensure these were actually replaced rather than allowed to deteriorate. The front oil leak identified in the May 2026 test requires immediate investigation to determine the source, whether it is a simple gasket or a more costly seal. Given the previous failure for an inoperative engine management light, a diagnostic scan is essential to ensure no hidden fault codes remain related to emissions or engine performance. The vehicle shows a clear pattern of neglecting minor items until they become failure points, which necessitates a cautious approach.