2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LL09 XEB

The latest MOT test on 2026-06-22 resulted in a pass, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and suggests a reactive approach to vehicle upkeep. The history reveals a pattern of the vehicle failing on critical safety components, including dangerous brake pad wear and failing anti-roll bar joints, which are only addressed immediately prior to testing. The persistence of advisories regarding brake disc condition and exhaust leaks across several years indicates that the vehicle is not being maintained to a preventative standard, with its mechanical condition appearing to deteriorate steadily over time. At approximately 17 years old with 120,499 recorded miles, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,088 miles per year. This is a typical usage rate for a crossover of this vintage, meaning the wear is consistent with its age. However, the combination of this mileage and the vehicle's age means that rubber bushings, suspension components, and structural elements are now at a high risk of fatigue. The repeated mentions of corrosion in the MOT history suggest that the vehicle has been subjected to environmental stressors that have accelerated the degradation of the underbody and suspension mounting points. Prospective buyers must scrutinise the front suspension and braking system. The current advisories for play in the nearside front anti-roll bar and suspension arm ball joints, following a previous dangerous failure on the offside, point to systemic wear of the front end. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The recurring advisories for pitted and scored brake discs, coupled with a previous dangerous failure for thin brake pads, suggest the braking system is neglected. Check for brake shudder under deceleration and visually inspect the discs for deep scoring or heavy surface corrosion. The structural integrity of the rear end and suspension arms is a primary concern given the repeated reports of corrosion since 2023. A thorough physical inspection of the rear chassis rails and suspension arms is essential to ensure that surface rust has not progressed to structural failure. Additionally, the history of a leaking fuel tank and ongoing exhaust leaks and defective mountings must be verified. Listen for an excessive drone or rasping sound from the central exhaust and check for the smell of raw fuel around the rear of the vehicle to ensure previous repairs were carried out to a professional standard.