2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LL68 OBO

The Qashqai's MOT history reveals a mechanical pattern of escalating concern in the most recent test cycle, with a dangerous brake failure and a fractured coil spring flagged within the space of a few weeks in mid-2025 and mid-2026. The 2026-06-15 pass was achieved only after a prior failed test on 2026-06-05, which recorded a Major defect for an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) alongside a fractured offside rear coil spring. Earlier in 2025, a dangerous failure was issued for rear brake pads worn below the 1.5mm minimum thickness, and the 2024 test recorded advisories for thinning front brake pads and worn front brake discs. The clustering of structural, braking, and engine management defects across the last three test dates indicates that this vehicle has developed a cluster of wear-related issues rather than isolated incidents, and the latest outcome alone does not reflect the true mechanical state of the car until the underlying defects have been physically rectified. With 73,107 miles recorded over an 8-year life, the Qashqai accumulates roughly 9,138 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the expected band for its age and platform. There are no extended gaps in the testing record suggesting long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent with regular commuter use. At this annual rate, consumable wear on the braking system, suspension components, and drivetrain should be considered routine, but the specific components flagged in the advisories and failures suggest this particular example is approaching the stage where suspension and brake refurbishment is due. The offside rear coil spring fracture in particular is an age- and mileage-related failure commonly associated with the Qashqai's rear suspension, and its appearance so soon after the brake-related issues points to multiple undercarriage components reaching the end of their service life simultaneously. For any prospective buyer, a physical inspection and road test should focus heavily on the undercarriage, particularly the rear suspension geometry given the fractured coil spring. With the vehicle raised, check for further coil spring damage on the nearside rear, inspect the rear shock absorbers for fluid leakage or seized damping, and examine the suspension arms, bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links for play or perishing, as these are prone to wear on higher-mileage examples. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any clonking transmitted through the body when traversing speed bumps or potholes, which would indicate compromised rear spring seating or fractured components not visible from above. The braking system requires equally careful scrutiny following the dangerous pad wear recorded in 2025 and the front disc and pad advisories from 2024. With the wheels removed, inspect the rear brake calipers for binding pistons and the handbrake mechanism for proper adjustment, as the rear pads wore below the legal minimum which can point to infrequent handbrake use or seized slider mechanisms. The front discs should be measured for remaining thickness and checked for lipping or corrosion pitting, and a road test should include firm pedal applications to detect any judder, pull to one side, or sponginess, all of which would indicate warped discs or uneven caliper function. Finally, the engine MIL fault flagged as Major in the June 2026 failure warrants confirmation of the underlying cause via diagnostic readout before purchase, as the lamp being inoperative at the time of test could mask an active emissions or sensor fault that should be investigated and rectified by a competent technician.