2016 Nissan 370Z 3.7L Petrol · JS61 JAY

The most recent MOT test for the 2016 Nissan 370Z, conducted on 2026-05-19, resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from the previous test failures. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories and dangerous failures related to tyre wear and nearness to legal limits, particularly on the rear tyres and near-side front wheel bearing. While the latest test shows stability, the prior failures indicate persistent issues that demand careful attention to prevent further degradation of roadworthiness or safety. The vehicle’s overall maintenance trend is inconsistent, with significant advisories and dangerous conditions appearing intermittently, suggesting either inconsistent servicing or underlying wear progression that requires proactive investigation. The recorded mileage of 53,235 miles for a vehicle aged ten years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,324 miles per year, which is unusual for its age. Such low mileage can result from infrequent use, long periods of stationary storage, or deliberate underutilisation, potentially masking wear and tear that would typically accelerate with higher usage. However, low mileage alone does not guarantee the absence of hidden issues, particularly in components prone to corrosion or degradation from prolonged inactivity, such as brake systems, suspension elements, and electrical connections. The absence of recent rapid mileage accumulation does not necessarily indicate robust mechanical health, as standing vehicles can develop issues like brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, or fluid degradation over time. Given the recurring tyre wear advisories and nearness to legal limits, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of all tyres, focusing on the rear tyres and near-side front tyre for signs of uneven wear, edge wear, or tread depth degradation beyond the DVSA’s advisory thresholds. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the rear tyres, such as excessive vibration or grinding, which may indicate misalignment, improper inflation, or underlying suspension issues contributing to the observed wear patterns. Additionally, check for any fluid leaks around the wheel wells, particularly near the rear tyres, as this could signal failing seals or suspension components. Impending maintenance should prioritise replacing the rear tyres to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and addressing the near-side front wheel bearing play, which may require servicing or replacement to prevent increased bearing noise and potential failure. For the near-side front wheel bearing, the slight play recorded in previous MOTs suggests ongoing wear that could worsen with continued use, potentially leading to bearing failure and associated noises such as clunking or grinding, particularly at speed or when cornering. Test the bearing’s condition by gently tapping the wheel hub while the vehicle is stationary and listening for any irregularities or rattling. If the bearing is confirmed to be faulty, replacement is advisable to prevent premature wheel bearing failure and ensure consistent steering response. The 2016 370Z, with its ten-year age and relatively low mileage, also warrants a check on the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Inspect the brake discs for uneven wear, corrosion, or binding calipers, and ensure the brake fluid is free of contamination and at the correct level, as standing vehicles can lead to fluid degradation and reduced braking performance. Lastly, verify the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and coolant, as these should be replaced at specified intervals regardless of mileage to maintain optimal performance and prevent corrosion-related failures.