2012 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel · LP12 EMJ

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 11 May 2022, was passed but recorded several advisories and minor faults – a non‑excessive oil leak, inoperative and insecure off‑side registration‑plate lamp, a small windscreen chip and a near‑side front brake disc that is worn, pitted or scored. Earlier in the same year the vehicle failed on a fuel‑system leak and similar brake‑disc advisories, while a 2021 test was clean. Prior to that the 2017 MOT highlighted outright failures of the lower ball‑joint suspension on both front wheels, which would have required replacement. Since the 2021 clean pass the defect profile has reduced to mainly wear‑related advisories, suggesting that the maintenance trajectory has shifted from corrective repairs to routine wear monitoring and can be considered stabilising, though some items still need attention. At 137,250 mi the Navara averages roughly 9,800 mi per annum over its 14‑year life, a usage pattern that sits squarely within normal private‑owner levels. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would indicate long periods of storage, nor any periods of unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate component fatigue. Consequently the wear observed on brakes, tyres and suspension is consistent with its age and mileage rather than being driven by excessive use, but the cumulative distance does mean that wear items such as bushings, bearings and drivetrain components will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the oil leak noted in the latest MOT – check for any fresh oil drops on the ground beneath the engine bay, verify the oil level and condition, and confirm that the source (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil cooler) has been remedied, as even a small leak can lead to low oil levels under hard use. The near‑side front brake disc’s pitted condition should be inspected visually for deep scoring and measured for thickness; during a test drive listen for any brake shudder, pulsation or reduced pedal firmness, especially when applying the brakes from speed. Both front wheel bearings were flagged in 2017 with slight play; while only advisory now, a bearing in early failure will produce a low‑frequency hum that changes with vehicle speed and may feel loose when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock position. Verify that the registration‑plate lamps illuminate correctly and that the windscreen chip does not propagate, as both are simple but inexpensive fixes. Given the vehicle’s age, additional time‑based checks are prudent. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or suspension degradation, and confirm that tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm limit. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge, as a 14‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the rear wheel arches and underbody, which can develop when a vehicle sits for extended periods. Finally, ensure that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as fluid breakdown over time can affect cooling, braking performance and transmission reliability. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will give a clear picture of any imminent maintenance and the overall roadworthiness of the Navara.