2014 Nissan Pulsar 1.5L Diesel · HM14 APR

A recurring pattern of suspension component failure defines this vehicle's mechanical history, specifically regarding the coil springs and front linkages. Both the offside and nearside rear coil springs have been recorded as fractured or broken across different testing years, and the offside front suspension arm ball joint progressed from slight play in 2023 to a major failure in 2025. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 2026-01-07, the history indicates a trend of chassis and suspension wear that has required multiple corrective interventions. The recorded mileage of 59,577 miles is low for a twelve year old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,965 miles per year. Such a low annual accumulation suggests the car has been used for short trips or has experienced periods of inactivity. Mechanically, this usage profile often shifts the primary wear from drivetrain components toward rubber-based consumables and suspension elements, which aligns with the recorded failures of coil springs and ball joints. Given the history of fractured rear springs and worn ball joints, a test drive should focus on the chassis reaction to uneven surfaces. Listen for metallic knocks or clunks when navigating speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering wheel, which could indicate further wear in the front suspension linkages. The previous recording of a tyre fitted in the wrong direction also necessitates a physical inspection of all current tyre sidewalls to ensure correct rotation and uniform tread wear. Attention should also be paid to the braking system, as both rear and front brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin in multiple testing cycles. During the test drive, check for any pedal judder or a lack of immediate bite when braking from moderate speeds. While the most recent test was clean, the frequency of brake-related advisories suggests these components are replaced on a reactive basis, making a current check of the remaining pad thickness essential.