2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · KW14 XYB

The 2014 Nissan Qashqai’s most recent MOT, conducted on 25 February 2025 at 111,949 miles, confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. However, the preceding history reveals a concerning pattern of repeated suspension and tyre issues, particularly between February 2023 and February 2024. The vehicle failed its test on 17 February 2024 at 103,491 miles due to multiple critical faults—including a split near-side front CV joint boot, severely worn lower suspension ball joints, and a leaking shock absorber—alongside offside front tyre wear and rear tyre degradation. While the car passed its subsequent test just ten days later at 103,802 miles, the advisories for worn suspension bushes and damaged tyres suggest these problems were either inadequately addressed or had persisted. The February 2025 pass without defects implies either corrective work was performed or the car’s condition temporarily stabilised, but the recurrence of tyre and suspension concerns warrants scrutiny. Mileage progression shows consistent usage, averaging around 9,300 miles annually, which aligns with typical expectations for a vehicle of this age. The largest gap between tests occurred between January 2022 (86,785 miles) and February 2023 (96,600 miles), covering 9,815 miles in just over a year—a rate slightly above the average. The most rapid accumulation followed the February 2024 failure, with 103,491 miles logged by February 2025, suggesting either intensive use or delayed maintenance. The absence of a test between January 2022 and February 2023 is notable, as it could indicate either a temporary lay-up or an oversight in MOT compliance. Overall, the mileage pattern does not suggest extreme neglect, but the clustering of faults around the 103,000-mile mark raises questions about whether critical components were replaced or merely patched. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension and steering systems, particularly the front lower control arms, ball joints, and shock absorbers. The February 2024 failure highlighted excessive wear in these areas, and while the car passed its most recent MOT, the advisories for worn suspension bushes and tyre degradation imply ongoing issues. Tyres should be examined for uneven wear patterns, edge damage, or signs of perishing, as the rear tyres were flagged for cracking in both 2024 tests. The front brakes, which were incorrectly mounted in 2024, should also be checked for proper installation and wear consistency. Structural elements like the subframe and wheel arches should be inspected for corrosion, as this model is prone to rust in high-mileage examples, particularly in the suspension mounting points. The CV joint boot failure in 2024 is a red flag—damage to this component can lead to grease leakage and joint failure, compromising wheel attachment. Given the history, a thorough check of these areas is essential to avoid costly repairs or safety risks.