2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LL62 XLR

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 September 2025 resulted in a PASS, but the test was accompanied by three advisories that should not be dismissed lightly. A coolant cap noted as incorrect is a small but important item, as a non-standard or worn cap can compromise system pressure, lead to coolant loss, and contribute to overheating under load; it should be replaced with the correct OEM-specified cap and the cooling system checked for proper fill level. The offside rear service brake fluctuating without being excessive suggests a developing issue with either the caliper, slider mechanism, or the rear drum/shoe assembly, often presenting as pulling, uneven braking, or a grinding sensation, and the insecure fuel tank heat shield is a minor but legitimate item that ought to be refastened to prevent rattling or heat damage. Taken alongside the September 2025 failure recorded just five days earlier, which was caused by dust cover failures on both front lower suspension arm ball joints and both front outer track rod end ball joints, the overall trend is one of declining rather than improving condition, with the car requiring fairly significant front suspension and steering refresh work immediately after the test was passed. Recorded mileage stands at 99,021 miles over approximately 14 years, equating to an average of around 7,073 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent and there is no evidence of an odometer discrepancy or unusually rapid accumulation that would suggest hard use such as towing, commercial duty, or sustained motorway driving. The MOT record is also dense and continuous, with no extended gaps that would imply the vehicle has been laid up for prolonged periods, meaning issues associated with long-term standing such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, dry corroded brake discs, or rodent damage to underbonnet wiring are less likely to be a concern. That said, the mileage is high enough that wear-related items such as clutch, dual mass flywheel if applicable, timing chain, and automatic transmission fluid condition if fitted should be verified through service history rather than relied upon. The recurring advisories across the MOT history tell a clear story about areas of wear that a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear has been flagged in 2022, 2023, and 2024, indicating progressive deterioration of the front suspension bushings which, on test drive, typically manifests as knocking or clonking over speed humps, vague steering, or uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges. The 2024 dangerous defect for a nearside rear tyre tear caused by structural separation is a serious safety failure and demonstrates that the previous owner allowed tyres to deteriorate badly; on a physical inspection all four tyres must be checked for age-related sidewall cracking, perishing, and DOT date codes, as the 2023 advisory for nearside rear tyre perishing shows this is a known weakness. The rear brake pads have been noted as wearing thin across consecutive tests, the front brake discs are pitted and scored, and both rear coil springs have been flagged for corrosion since 2021, so on a test drive the buyer should listen for any metallic scraping, clunks from the rear under load, and feel for brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or any pulling to one side. Given the identified advisories and the 2025 suspension and steering failures, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist or trusted independent garage is strongly recommended before committing to purchase. The front suspension arms, track rod ends, and their associated dust covers have just been addressed, so the buyer should obtain documentary evidence of the rectification work carried out, ideally invoices from a reputable garage, and confirm whether new components were fitted or merely cleaned. With the vehicle now at nearly 100,000 miles, age-related servicing becomes critical even where no defects are recorded on the MOT, including verification of coolant replacement interval, brake fluid renewal, transmission oil condition, spark plugs if petrol, and a 12V battery health check, as batteries rarely last more than five to six years. The heat shield and coolant cap advisories are inexpensive items, but they suggest a pattern of minor neglect that warrants a closer look at the overall condition of the cooling system, underbody corrosion particularly around the rear coil spring mounts, fuel system integrity, and whether the documented service intervals have been followed with the appropriate oil and filter changes at the correct mileage bands.