2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · KD17 DNJ

The most recent MOT test on 2025-12-13 reveals a concerning pattern of neglect, with the vehicle failing on critical components despite a clean pass just days earlier. The December 2025 failure—recorded at 71,950 miles—highlighted dangerously worn front tyres (one tread depth below the 1.6mm legal limit, the other worn unevenly) and critically thin offside front brake pads (below 1.5mm). This suggests either a lack of pre-MOT servicing or a deliberate attempt to pass without addressing underlying issues. The absence of defects in the subsequent pass on the same day raises suspicion of either a rushed inspection or a temporary fix that did not address the root cause. The 2024 failure, while minor (headlamp alignment), indicates a recurring oversight in basic maintenance, though it did not escalate into structural or safety-critical failures until 2025. Mileage progression shows a steady but unspectacular accumulation, averaging roughly 7,995 miles annually over nine years—a figure typical for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2023 pass (56,208 miles) and the 2024 test (64,669 miles) represents 8,461 miles in under a year, while the 2024–2025 interval covered 7,282 miles. No extended periods of inactivity are evident, ruling out excessive wear from prolonged storage. However, the rapid tread degradation in 2025—despite the vehicle’s moderate mileage—implies either aggressive driving conditions or consistent underinflation, both of which accelerate tyre and suspension stress. The lack of intermediate servicing records further complicates assessing whether wear is purely mechanical or exacerbated by poor upkeep. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension and braking system, given the repeated failures in these areas. The 2025 brake pad wear suggests uneven loading or binding calipers, which could indicate misaligned wheels, worn suspension bushes, or corroded steering components. The tyre conditions warrant scrutiny of wheel alignment and potential subframe or control arm corrosion, as uneven wear often stems from misadjustments or compromised suspension geometry. Headlamp alignment failures in 2024 point to either a worn suspension mount or a misadjusted steering system, neither of which can be confirmed without a physical check. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, where corrosion could compromise safety without immediate MOT failure. Given the inconsistent maintenance history, a full brake fluid flush, suspension inspection, and tyre replacement are advisable before committing to purchase.