2010 Nissan Primastar 2.0L Diesel · LC10 RRO

A pattern of front suspension and steering wear defines the recorded roadworthiness history of this 2010 Nissan Primastar, with multiple advisories accumulating around the same areas across successive tests. The most recent pass on 25 January 2023 carried an advisory for worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, while the 2019 test flagged the identical components on the nearside and offside, and 2021 recorded slight play in the track rod end ball joints on both sides. Although the 2023 result is a pass, the recurrence of similar advisories at intervals suggests progressive wear in the front suspension and steering linkages rather than one-off observations. Of the six tests recorded, two resulted in failures, both linked to straightforward but significant defects, including a split nearside front CV boot in 2018 and a damaged offside front mirror plus non-functioning nearside headlamp dipped beam in 2017, the latter accompanied by an insufficient washer system. The shock absorbers and Macpherson strut top mounts have also attracted repeated advisories for light oil misting and damage, with the 2018 failure specifically citing limited damping effect. At roughly 131,248 miles across sixteen years, the vehicle has accumulated approximately 8,200 miles per year, a rate broadly typical for a working van of this age. However, the testing history reveals a notable gap between 2023 and the present date, which combined with the high absolute mileage means the front suspension, steering and brake components flagged in earlier tests have had three years and potentially tens of thousands of miles of further use without a recorded DVSA assessment. The earlier 2020 test also noted deteriorating brake pads, and given the mileage and the nature of vans of this type, the braking system, particularly discs and pads on the front axle, warrants close inspection. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering, as the advisories point specifically to the suspension arm pins or bushes, Macpherson strut top mounts, and track rod end ball joints. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts, and feel for any vagueness or play in the steering, particularly around the straight-ahead position, which could point to renewed wear in the track rod ends. Inspect the front shock absorbers for fresh oil misting or wetness around the body and check the top mounts for cracks or compression damage. The nearside front CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated in 2020 and split in 2018, so inspect both inner and outer boots for tears, missing grease, or fresh contamination, and listen for clicking or vibration under load which would indicate joint wear. Finally, verify the condition of items previously failed or flagged as minor, including the offside mirror, which has appeared damaged on two separate occasions, ensuring it provides an adequate rear view and is securely mounted, and test both headlamps on dipped and main beam. Check the windscreen for any stone chips within zone A, as damage in this critical area was noted on multiple tests, and confirm the washer system delivers a clear jet to both front and rear screens. With brake pad wear noted as recently as 2020, inspect pad material thickness and disc condition, looking for lipping, scoring or corrosion, particularly on the front axle where the majority of working van braking effort is concentrated. An oil leak was also flagged in 2019, so examine the engine and undertray for fresh seepage, particularly around the rocker cover, sump, and front main seal areas, before committing to purchase.