2012 Nissan Juke 1.5L Diesel · JM60 GJM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 December 2025, though this followed a failure three days prior. The failure was notable for multiple major defects concerning the front suspension and steering geometry, specifically the suspension arm ball joints and a track rod end. While these items have since been rectified to achieve a pass, the sudden appearance of multiple worn joints suggests a period of accelerated wear or the natural expiration of front-end rubber components. Prior to this, the MOT history was remarkably clean, indicating a generally stable maintenance trend interrupted by a recent requirement for a significant front-end overhaul. With a recorded mileage of 78,035 miles over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,574 miles per year. This is considerably lower than the UK national average, which typically implies lighter usage or extended periods of inactivity. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the engine and gearbox, it introduces different risks, such as the degradation of rubber seals, the perishing of tyres, and the potential for brake components to seize or corrode due to a lack of regular heat cycles and movement. During a test drive, pay close attention to the steering feel and listen for any remaining clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces, which would indicate whether the recent suspension work was carried out to a professional standard or if other bushes are nearing the end of their life. Particular attention should be paid to the rear braking system; the December 2025 advisories regarding pitted and scored rear discs suggest they may be nearing the end of their service life or have suffered from surface corrosion. Check for any shuddering under braking and verify if these discs were replaced or merely cleaned during the last MOT. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, a physical inspection should focus on time-based degradation. Examine the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres often age out before the tread wears down. Check the condition of the 12V battery and look for signs of binding calipers or heavy corrosion on the brake discs, which are common symptoms of a car that has stood for long periods. Finally, ensure the service history reflects calendar-based oil and fluid changes rather than solely mileage-based intervals, as engine oil and coolant degrade over time regardless of the distance travelled.