2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LP11 YPM

A consistent pattern of advisories rather than outright failures defines this Qashqai's MOT history, with the 2026-05-07 pass representing a clean test but sitting atop a record that signals progressive structural and steering wear. Across four consecutive tests, the same offside front track rod end ball joint has been flagged for slight play in 2024 and 2025, and underbody corrosion on suspension components and rear arms was remarked upon as advancing beyond mere surface rust by the 2025 inspection. Earlier years also recorded an exhaust gas seepage, edge wear on multiple tyres, and a nail in a rear tyre, all of which are typical wear-and-tear items on a vehicle of this age and mileage, but the recurrence of the track rod end advisory and the advancing underbody corrosion are the items that warrant close scrutiny during a physical inspection. With 104,086 miles accumulated over approximately fifteen years, the vehicle is averaging roughly 6,939 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the normal usage bracket for a family crossover of this vintage and suggests no extended periods off the road. There are no significant gaps between successive MOT tests, indicating continuous use rather than long-term storage, which in turn means the suspension, braking, and drivetrain components have been worked consistently rather than suffering the deterioration associated with prolonged standing. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate, so there is no indication of clocked miles or unusual inactivity that would skew the mechanical picture presented by the advisories. Given the recurring track rod end ball joint play, any prospective buyer should treat the front steering linkage as a priority inspection area. On a test drive, listen for clonking noises from the front end over speed humps and rough tarmac, particularly when turning into a parking bay or driveway, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the steering response, especially around the straight-ahead position where a worn ball joint typically exhibits the most slop. With the steering wheel turned slightly off-centre, a knock or click from the offside front wheel area on full lock would suggest the joint has progressed past the advisory stage and requires replacement. Ask for evidence that the track rod end has actually been renewed since the 2025 advisory, as advisories are not failures and a seller is under no obligation to have carried out the repair. The underbody corrosion noted in 2025 as getting more advanced on the suspension components and rear arms is the more serious long-term concern on this chassis, as Nissan products of this era are known to suffer corrosion on rear suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs. With the vehicle jacked or on a ramp, look for any flaking or bubbling paint around the rear arm pivots, coil spring seats, and anti-roll bar drop links, and pay particular attention to the brake pipes running along the chassis rails where rust-through can lead to an MOT failure. On the road, listen for rear suspension knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly when the car is unladen, and check for any irregular tyre wear across the rear axle that might indicate arm geometry distortion from advanced corrosion. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for the minor gas leak flagged in 2023, as a centre or rear box joint deterioration will produce a ticking noise on cold start that often quietens once the system expands with heat.