2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · L30 TAE

A clear and consistent mechanical theme runs through this Qashqai's MOT history, centred on the front steering and suspension components and the rear braking system, which together account for the only recorded failure. The most recent test on 27 November 2025 returned a pass, but it carried a notable cluster of advisories: both front tyres were worn close to the legal limit on the edges, the nearside rear tyre showed similar edge wear, and both front track rod end ball joints were recorded with slight play. These advisories are not isolated findings. Going back to the 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests, offside and nearside front track rod end play has been flagged repeatedly across four consecutive annual examinations, indicating a progressive loosening rather than a transient observation. The 2024 test was particularly significant, as it produced a failure with a dangerous rear brake pad defect and a major rear brake disc wear item, alongside a minor defect on the front suspension arm ball joint dust covers showing severe deterioration with cracking on both lower joints. The trajectory from the clean 2020 pass through to the 2024 failure and the heavily advisory-laden 2025 pass suggests a vehicle whose wear-related deterioration has accelerated in the latter portion of the record. Recorded mileage at the latest test stands at 121,705 miles over a ten-year vehicle age, equating to roughly 12,170 miles per year on average, which is high for a Qashqai of this generation and points to sustained, regular use rather than long periods off the road. The annual test entries run consecutively from 2020 through 2025 with no gaps, and the mileage progression implied by the test frequency is consistent with steady accumulation rather than intermittent or sporadic use. Mechanically, this kind of high annual mileage places above-average demand on the consumable and mechanical items that have already begun to surface in the advisories: front suspension and steering linkages, brake pads and discs, tyres, and the general condition of bushes and joint assemblies. Higher mileage also accelerates wear on items that MOT testing does not directly cover, such as the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, engine mounts, and turbocharger components on the diesel variants commonly paired with this chassis. The cumulative effect is that any vehicle of this age and mileage should be assumed to be approaching or past the midpoint of its expected component life for several major mechanical systems. For a prospective buyer, the track rod end play is the single most important inspection priority, as it has been flagged at every test since 2022 and was still present at the most recent pass. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness or slack in the steering, particularly around the straight-ahead position. With the wheels on full lock, either stationary or moving slowly, any clunking or visible judder from the front wheels points toward worn track rod ends that may now be beyond the advisory threshold. The front suspension arm ball joint dust covers recorded as severely deteriorated in 2024 should also be examined visually for fresh grease contamination around the lower arms, and the lower ball joints themselves should be checked for vertical play by hand with the wheels lifted. Given the dangerous rear brake pad failure and the major rear brake disc wear item in 2024, the rear braking system warrants a thorough physical inspection: with the wheels removed, confirm new pads and either new or re-skimmed discs, and on the road ensure the rear brake feel is firm and the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without creeping. The tyres flagged in the 2025 advisories are a near-term budget item rather than a structural concern, but the edge wear pattern on both fronts and the nearside rear can be symptomatic of the steering and suspension looseness already discussed, or of misalignment following the track rod end deterioration. Measure all four tread depths and inspect the sidewalls for any cracking, bulging, or uneven shoulder wear that might indicate camber or toe settings outside specification. The recurring windscreen damage minor defects from 2022 and 2024 are cosmetic but should be inspected for any spreading from stone chips, particularly in the driver's line of sight, where the legal threshold is stricter. Finally, given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection including compression test or compression leak-down test results, a check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox seams, inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion at the flex joint and mounting rubbers, and a thorough look underneath for any corrosion to subframe mounting points, brake pipe runs, and fuel line clips would be advisable to identify the wear items that the MOT test cannot fully evaluate.