2007 Nissan X-Trail 2.2L Diesel · KE07 AEF

The vehicle shows signs of a deteriorating maintenance trend, with the most recent recorded MOT in April 2023 revealing several unresolved mechanical issues. While the vehicle passed after a failure on 20 April 2023 at 111,763 miles, the tester flagged multiple advisories including play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint, slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage, and light oil misting from the offside rear shock absorber. The presence of these advisories, alongside previous failures for suspension and steering components, suggests that while immediate safety failures are being addressed, underlying wear in the suspension and steering systems is becoming a recurring theme. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,882 miles per year over its 19-year lifespan. This low usage is evident in the jump from 98,160 miles in January 2022 to 111,763 miles in April 2023. Although low mileage often implies less mechanical strain, the record shows that the vehicle has suffered from age-related degradation. Specifically, the history shows recurring issues with perished rubber components, such as shock absorber dust covers and CV boots, which often occur when a vehicle is driven infrequently and components are allowed to dry out or crack over time. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of faults involving anti-roll bar linkages, ball joints, and steering rack joints, with failures recorded in both 2021 and 2023. The recurring mention of pitted or scored brake discs and thin pads, alongside an imbalance in rear brakes noted in April 2023, indicates that the braking system requires close monitoring. Furthermore, the history of oil leaks and misting shock absorbers suggests that the engine and damping components should be checked for active leaks that could indicate more significant seal or gasket failures. Finally, the frequent advisories regarding tyres worn to the legal limit or perished edges suggest that basic consumable upkeep has been inconsistent. The driver should inspect the current condition of all tyres, particularly the inner edges, and verify that the recent steering and suspension repairs have fully resolved the play noted in the 2023 test. Given the age of the vehicle and the history of emissions failures and oil leaks, a check of the exhaust system and engine bay for fluid integrity is also necessary.