2009 Nissan Pickup 2.5L Diesel · LD09 OCN

A clear pattern of corrosion-related deterioration and steering component wear dominates this 2009 Nissan Pickup's MOT history, with the most recent test on 24 October 2022 resulting in a failure despite the vehicle accumulating typical mileage for its age. Across the five recorded tests spanning 2018 to 2022, brake pipes, brake hose ferrules, and brake back plates have appeared repeatedly as advisories, culminating in a Major failure in October 2020 for an excessively corroded nearside front brake pipe. The 2022 failure itself was driven by corrosion-related items rather than a single isolated defect, and advisories from that test include steering box free play, corroded brake hose ferrules front and rear, heavily corroded rear brake back plates, and structural corrosion noted at the centre and rear. The trend across the record is one of progressive rather than improving condition, with multiple safety-relevant items recurring year on year. Mileage stands at 144,628 miles across approximately 17 years, equating to an annual average of around 8,500 miles, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of this era. No extended testing gaps are evident, with the earliest recorded test in September 2018 and the latest in October 2022, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout the documented period. For a pickup of this age and accumulated mileage, the recorded annual mileage would be expected to produce wear on consumable items such as brake components, suspension bushes, and steering linkages, and the MOT record reflects exactly that kind of progressive wear. The consistent year-on-year testing pattern does not suggest long periods of standing, but the corrosion advisories point to environmental exposure rather than purely mileage-driven wear. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the brake system in particular, given the recurring advisories on both flexible hoses and rigid brake pipes. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear drums, which would suggest the corroded back plates are now fouling the brake shoes or mechanism, and feel for a soft or spongy brake pedal that could indicate compromised hose ferrules. The steering system warrants close attention as well: with advisories for steering box free play recorded on three consecutive tests from 2021 onwards, any clonking, rattling, or excess slop felt through the steering wheel on rough surfaces would suggest the steering box or linkages have deteriorated further. The nearside rear bump stop missing advisory from November 2021 should also be checked visually, as missing bump stops can lead to excessive suspension travel and accelerated wear on shock absorbers and coil springs over bumps. The structural corrosion advisory noted in October 2022 at the centre and rear of the vehicle is particularly significant for a pickup, as load bed cross-members and rear chassis sections are known corrosion-prone areas on these vehicles. A thorough underbody inspection is essential, ideally with the vehicle raised, looking for perforating rust through box sections, chassis rails, and around suspension mounting points, as the advisory wording indicates the structure is corroded but not yet critically compromised. The front wheel bearing play advisories from 2019 and 2020 also merit a road test, with attention to any humming that changes with steering input or any vagueness in the front end feel under braking. Finally, verify that the lighting defects from the October 2020 failure have been properly resolved with replacement units rather than temporary repairs, as the headlamp aim and lens condition issues recorded then could recur if inferior parts were fitted.