2013 Nissan Juke 1.6L Petrol · LK63 EXV

The defining mechanical story of this 2013 Nissan Juke is a persistent front suspension problem centred on the lower wishbone ball joints, which has produced two major defects and one dangerous defect across three consecutive test cycles. On 14 October 2023 the vehicle failed its MOT with a dangerous offside front lower suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached and a major nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, both on the wishbone assembly, alongside an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp. A retest on 17 October 2023 passed, but only after the ball joint issues were presumably addressed, while noting a nearside front oil leak. The advisories did not stop there: in October 2021 an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint was noted with slight play, and by October 2022 the offside ball joint was again recorded as excessively worn, failing the test. The 29 September 2025 pass shows no recurrence of the suspension defects, suggesting the components were replaced, but the multi-year recurrence of advisories and failures on the same wishbone ball joints remains the most significant mechanical concern in the record. The latest test also flagged a defective nearside front wiper blade, rear inner brake pads wearing thin, front brake discs worn and pitted, and a nearside front tyre with slight sidewall damage. Against the vehicle's age of approximately thirteen years, the recorded 52,112 miles equates to around 4,009 miles annually, which is notably low and points to either light-use driving or extended periods of standing. Seven MOT tests are recorded across 2020 to 2025, with annual mileage accumulation likely modest given the low average. Low annual mileage of this kind can be consistent with reduced wear on the engine and drivetrain internals, but it also raises the possibility of extended inactivity, which historically can allow oil seals to dry, rubber components to perish, and corrosion to establish itself in less visible areas such as brake lines and subframe seams. The 2023 advisory for a nearside front oil leak, which is not described as excessive, is consistent with the kind of minor seal seepage often seen on lower-use vehicles. The test record does not show any multi-year gaps that would indicate a long off-road period, with testing occurring in each of the documented years, which limits the scale of standing-vehicle concerns but does not eliminate them entirely. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front suspension, specifically the lower wishbone ball joints and related bushes, even though the 2025 test recorded no defects in this area. It is worth asking for documentary evidence of the ball joint replacement carried out around October 2023, and checking the condition of the wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and front coil springs for any signs of recent refurbishment versus older untouched components. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed bumps, rough surfaces, and during full-lock low-speed turns, and feel for any vagueness or juddering through the steering wheel, all of which can indicate worn or incorrectly reassembled suspension linkages. The brake system also warrants close attention: the front discs have been flagged as worn and pitted in three consecutive tests spanning 2022 to 2025, suggesting they may be approaching the minimum thickness or have been on the vehicle for some time, while the rear inner pads are now noted as wearing thin. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no pulling to either side under steady braking, and a visual check of disc wear lip and pad material thickness is advisable before purchase. Additional items worth addressing on inspection include the nearside front oil leak recorded in 2023, which should be traced to its source, commonly a cam cover gasket or sump area on this engine, and checked for fresh residue indicating an active rather than historic seep. The nearside front tyre sidewall damage flagged in the latest test should be examined for any bulging, cracking, or exposed cords that would necessitate immediate replacement. It is also prudent to inspect the underbody, subframe, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion given the vehicle's age, even though no corrosion advisories appear in the MOT history, and to check the condition of the exhaust system for blowing or corrosion at the joints and mounting points. Finally, with thirteen years of service and relatively low mileage, a buyer should consider the age-related condition of items not directly covered by the MOT record, including the coolant, drive belts, and timing chain or cam belt service interval status, as these may be close to requiring attention regardless of the recorded mileage.