2021 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · LO70 MPE

The most recent DVSA examination recorded on 9 January 2026 resulted in a PASS classification with no advisories or defects noted, which represents the most favourable possible outcome following the previous day's failed test. The broader trend across the recorded MOT history is best described as one of resolving maintenance rather than ongoing neglect. The 2026 entry effectively remediated the dangerous brake pad defect identified the day prior, and the only advisory in the dataset, relating to nearside front tyre wear, was issued alongside the January 2025 failure and has not recurred in subsequent test records. This pattern suggests the vehicle has been actively maintained, with corrective work carried out promptly in response to MOT failures rather than defects being ignored or allowed to accumulate across multiple test cycles. With approximately 46,403 miles recorded over a five-year period, this Qashqai is averaging around 9,281 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected usage bracket for a family crossover of this age and is neither excessively low nor indicative of high-mileage wear. There are no significant mileage gaps in the available data that would suggest prolonged standing periods, which is mechanically beneficial as it reduces the likelihood of brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and deterioration of under-seal protection that can affect rarely used vehicles. The relatively modest annual accumulation means that wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch (if applicable), turbocharger, suspension bushes, and drivetrain should be proportionate and within normal service expectations. The mileage continuity also reflects regular use, which helps preserve battery condition, keeps seals and flexible components supple, and ensures fluids remain circulated and thermally cycled. The most pressing mechanical concern evident in the MOT history is the recurrence of brake pad wear reaching dangerously low levels on both axles within a twelve-month period. The January 2025 failure noted front brake pads below 1.5 mm thickness, followed by a rear brake pad failure on 8 January 2026, indicating that pad wear on this vehicle is progressing at a rate faster than typical for its mileage. A prospective buyer should physically inspect the pad material remaining on all four corners, measure disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification stamped on the disc bell, and check for lipping or scoring on the disc friction surface. On a test drive, listen for brake squeal or grinding under light application, feel for any judder or vibration through the steering wheel when braking, and observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under firm stopping, which could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Given the pattern of repeated pad depletion, it would be prudent to budget for imminent replacement of both front and rear pads together with a thorough caliper slide pin inspection to ensure the rear failure was not compounded by seized mechanism. Beyond the documented brake items, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants careful inspection of age-related consumables that MOT testing does not fully cover. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing, cracking, or ozone degradation, particularly given the advisory edge wear noted in 2025, as the geometry alignment should be verified to confirm the wear pattern was not symptomatic of misalignment. The 12V battery should be health-tested as Nissan stop-start systems place elevated demand on battery condition, and brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should be confirmed as recently serviced as these degrade on a calendar basis rather than mileage. Additionally, inspect the coil springs for corrosion pitting, the exhaust system for early-stage rust at mounting points, and verify that the timing chain or cambelt interval (whichever is fitted) has been serviced in accordance with manufacturer schedule, as these represent the most significant forthcoming maintenance liabilities on a five-year-old crossover approaching mid-life.