2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LL17 YEX

A clear and recent mechanical concern dominates this Qashqai's history: the nearside front shock absorber failed its MOT in July 2024 due to a serious hydraulic fluid leak, with the defect categorised as Major under the dampers inspection. That single failure stands as the only recorded mechanical refusal across eight tests dating back to 2020, and it was resolved quickly, with a pass recorded just six days later on the same component group with no advisories carried over. The most recent assessment on 28 June 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, and the two earlier 2024 and 2023 tests were similarly uneventful. Taken together, the trend is one of isolated, component-specific suspension deterioration rather than a systemic decline in roadworthiness, though the shock absorber replacement is the single most significant mechanical event in the file. At 59,746 miles over approximately nine years, this Qashqai is accumulating around 6,600 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical range for a family crossover of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged storage, with annual or near-annual MOT entries from 2020 onwards, and the mileage progression between tests is gradual and consistent. This level of use implies moderate, steady wear on consumables rather than the accelerated degradation seen on high-mileage examples. Routine items such as front brake pads, recorded as wearing thin in April 2021, would have been replaced within normal service intervals and should not currently be a concern, though a physical check of remaining pad and disc material remains prudent at the present mileage. Given the recorded nearside front damper failure, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension on any test drive. With the engine off, push down firmly on each front corner and release; the body should return once and settle without continuing to oscillate, and the rate of compression should feel symmetrical side to side. Over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, listen for any clonking, knocking, or metallic rattle from the front strut area, which could indicate a worn top mount, coil spring, or strut bearing. Steering should remain precise without vibration through the wheel or wandering at motorway speeds, and there should be no uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside shoulders, which would point to geometry issues or suspension component wear following the damper replacement. The April 2021 advisory also noted a slightly dim offside side repeater, a minor electrical item that may simply require a bulb replacement or cleaned lens. On inspection, confirm that all indicators, side repeaters, and brake lights illuminate correctly and at equal brightness. With the vehicle now approaching 60,000 miles, the brake discs and pads, particularly the fronts which carry the majority of retardation load, warrant a visual check for lipping, scoring, or minimum thickness, and the pedal should feel firm without excessive travel or judder under hard braking from higher speeds. Listen also for any binding caliper on the nearside front after a sustained stop, as uneven heat dissipation can sometimes follow suspension work. Overall, this is a vehicle with a singular, well-documented suspension repair in its history and otherwise consistent roadworthy results, though confirmation of the post-repair suspension condition remains the priority for any prospective buyer.