2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · KY59 MXT

The Nissan Qashqai presents as a mechanically tired vehicle with a stable but persistently corroded underbody. The most recent MOT, a pass recorded on 16 June 2023 at 115,661 miles, is now over three years out of date. That test followed a failure on the same day for a single offside front position lamp circuit failure, which was rectified within the same session. The underlying mechanical condition remained unchanged between the two visits, with the tester repeatedly noting corrosion across the sub-frame, suspension arms, and coil springs, alongside worn rear brake discs and perishing tyres. The maintenance trend is stable in the sense that no new catastrophic failures have emerged, but the vehicle has not been improved structurally. It is simply holding at a borderline standard, with corrosion noted as "not seriously weakened" year after year, a pattern that demands careful physical verification. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent, moderate use. Between the 2021 test at 103,068 miles and the 2022 test at 109,728 miles, the vehicle covered 6,660 miles in roughly twelve months. The jump from 109,728 miles in July 2022 to 115,661 miles by June 2023 adds a further 5,933 miles over eleven months. The annualised average sits close to 6,800 miles, which is unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded data. The 2023 test result is the last confirmed mileage point, meaning the vehicle has sat without a valid MOT for over three years as of June 2026. That extended period without testing raises questions about how the car has been stored and whether corrosion has progressed unchecked. A buyer inspecting this Qashqai in person should focus first on the structural underside. The sub-frame, front and rear lower suspension arms, and anti-roll bars have been flagged for corrosion in every test from 2021 through 2023, always described as "not seriously weakened." That language is a tester's judgment made under specific conditions and does not guarantee the condition has not deteriorated during three years of inactivity. Jack the vehicle and examine these components for flaking metal, moisture traps, and any signs of perforation, particularly around mounting points and welded joints. The coil springs, corroded on all corners in the 2023 test, deserve close inspection for surface pitting or hairline cracks that could lead to sudden failure under load. The secondary concern is the braking system and front-end suspension geometry. Rear brake discs were worn and pitted in 2023, with rear pads noted as wearing thin. Front lower ball joints showed slight play in the 2023 test, and front suspension arm bushes were worn in 2022. Together, these suggest the front end is operating with degraded damping and locating components, which will accelerate tyre wear and compromise handling precision. Check the tyres for uneven wear patterns, particularly edge wear on the fronts, which the record confirms has been a recurring issue. The engine lower mounting was flagged as damaged in the 2022 failure, so inspect the mount for splits or excessive movement during cranking load. Finally, verify the function of all lamps and indicators, as the 2023 failure was electrical, and long-term storage can cause connector corrosion.