2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LD14 XNB

The most recent MOT carried out on 16 August 2025 was passed with no recorded defects, continuing a six‑year sequence of clean passes. The only items ever flagged have been advisory notes – a near‑side front tyre cut noted in 2020, a rear child‑seat obstruction recorded in 2019 and 2020, and a light misting of oil from the rear‑side shock absorber observed in 2019. As none of these advisories have escalated to failures and no new items have appeared, the maintenance trend can be described as stable, with no evidence of deteriorating safety‑critical components. At 38 580 miles the 2014 Nissan Qashqai averages roughly 3 200 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 miles annually for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage often indicates periods of limited use or prolonged storage, rather than high‑stress, high‑mileage wear. Consequently, wear‑related items such as clutch discs, timing chain tensioners, and major drivetrain bearings are likely to have experienced relatively little mechanical fatigue, but components that degrade with time rather than distance may be approaching the end of their service life. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the front‑side tyre that was previously noted as having a side‑wall cut. Verify that the tyre tread depth remains above the legal minimum and that the sidewall shows no progression of the cut; any bulging, cracking or loss of structural integrity would warrant replacement. The rear‑side shock absorber that exhibited oil mist in 2019 should be examined for any signs of leakage, reduced damping, or noisy operation when compressing the rear suspension; a clunk or excessive bounce on uneven road surfaces could indicate that the shock is nearing the end of its service interval and may need rebuilding or replacement. The recurring child‑seat advisory does not affect vehicle safety but reminds the buyer to ensure that all adult seat‑belt anchor points are fully visible and operable before finalising the purchase. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑based inspections are essential. Check the condition of all tyres for side‑wall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, as rubber can deteriorate even on low‑kilometre cars. Inspect the battery for sulphation and confirm that it holds charge, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. Look for corrosion on chassis joints, brake disc surfaces and suspension bushings, which can develop from standing moisture. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluid can absorb moisture and lose effectiveness regardless of mileage. Finally, a thorough visual review of the service book, oil change stamps and any recorded major services will help confirm that the low‑mileage vehicle has been maintained proactively and is likely to remain mechanically sound for the next few years.