2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · KU62 NLP

The most recent MOT, conducted on 31 July 2026, was passed but returned three advisories – a near‑side rear tyre showing early cracking, slight play in the near‑side front track‑rod end ball joint and slight play in the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball joint. Over the last twelve months the vehicle has moved from a clean pass in October 2023 to a failure in early October 2023 for several major suspension and lighting faults, then to a pass with only advisory items in 2024, 2025 and now 2026. This pattern shows that the major faults identified in 2023 have been addressed sufficiently to clear the test, yet the persistence of advisory‑level wear and play indicates a maintenance regime that is holding the car just above the MOT threshold rather than restoring it to a robust condition. At 207,831 mi the Qashqai has averaged roughly 14,800 mi per year since its first registration in 2012, a mileage rate well above the typical 10,000–12,000 mi per annum for a family SUV. The relatively high annual usage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine oil, and it also suggests the vehicle has spent a substantial amount of time under load rather than being stored idle. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying continuous use rather than long periods of standing, which reduces the likelihood of calendar‑related corrosion but increases the probability of component fatigue. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and steering joints that have been flagged repeatedly. The near‑side front track‑rod end and the off‑side lower arm ball joint each exhibit slight play; on a test drive this can manifest as a vague clunk when turning the wheel at low speed, vague steering wander, or uneven tyre wear on the affected corners. The near‑side rear tyre’s cracking is a sign of perishing rubber, often caused by age and high mileage; inspect the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or loss of tread depth, and be prepared to replace the tyre soon. The off‑side rear brake pads have been reported thin for two consecutive years, so verify pad thickness and listen for a high‑pitched squeal under braking; the front discs, while not yet beyond the wear limit, are already showing measurable wear and should be measured for remaining thickness before committing to purchase. Finally, the headlamp aim and mounting issues recorded in 2023 must be confirmed as corrected – a mis‑aimed lamp can reduce night‑time visibility and may indicate a loose bonnet latch or body flex that could affect other alignment‑sensitive components. In addition to the specific items above, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a thorough general inspection. Check the condition of the 12 V battery terminals and perform a load test, as prolonged high‑mileage use can stress the charging system. Examine the brake calipers for signs of uneven pad transfer or corrosion that could cause binding, especially after the thin rear pads have been replaced. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the oil appears clean; fluids degrade over time even if the car is driven regularly, and a change at or around the 200 000 mi mark is advisable. Finally, confirm that the service history includes regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) inspections and any recommended suspension component replacements, as these are critical to maintaining structural integrity and preventing costly breakdowns in a high‑mileage Qashqai.