2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · KX12 UFG

A pattern of wear‑related advisories dominates the MOT history, with recurring comments on front and rear brake discs, tyre tread limits and an excessively worn anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, punctuated by occasional lighting failures. The latest test on 19 March 2026 recorded a clean pass and no defects, showing that the previously flagged items have either been remedied or are now within acceptable limits, but the underlying trend of consumable wear remains evident. At 86 460 mi the vehicle averages roughly 6 200 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a fourteen‑year‑old compact SUV. The MOT record shows no prolonged gaps in testing, suggesting the car has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which generally limits the risk of age‑related corrosion but does mean that wear items will have accumulated at a steady pace. Potential buyers should give the braking system close attention. Both front and rear discs have previously been described as worn, pitted or scored, and rear pads were noted as thin; expect possible pedal pulsation, increased stopping distances or a grinding noise under hard braking, and verify disc thickness and pad wear visually and by feel. Tyre condition also warrants scrutiny – both front tyres were flagged as close to the legal limit, so a tread depth check of at least 1.6 mm across the tread width and an inspection for sidewall cracks or uneven wear patterns are essential. The anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, recorded as excessively worn, can produce a distinct clunk over bumps, steering pull or uneven tyre wear; a test‑drive over a speed‑bump or a gentle cornering manoeuvre should reveal any looseness or play. The CV joint on the off‑side front axle showed a slight tight spot, a symptom that typically manifests as a clicking or popping noise when turning under load; a careful low‑speed turn with the steering wheel at full lock can expose this. Lighting faults – the near‑side front position lamp and the registration plate lamp – have caused failures in the past, so confirm that all exterior lamps illuminate correctly and that the lamp housings are free of corrosion. Finally, the mirror adjustment noted as slightly loose should be checked for secure mounting. Budget for replacement of brake discs and pads, new tyres and a new anti‑roll bar linkage, and consider a professional inspection of the CV joint and lighting system before finalising the purchase.