2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LP63 LHT

The most recent MOT, dated 7 March 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory that the off‑side track rod‑end ball joint exhibits slight play. This follows a failure on 6 March 2026 that flagged a dangerously weakened front brake disc, front pads below the minimum thickness, a leaking nearside front shock absorber, a defective windscreen wiper and a worn ball‑joint dust cover. Earlier years show a mix of passes and isolated failures, but the concentration of serious safety‑related defects in the last twelve months indicates a clear deterioration in the vehicle’s condition rather than a stable or improving trend. At 123,004 miles the Qashqai averages just over 10 000 miles per annum, which is typical for a twelve‑year‑old family SUV. The mileage record does not suggest any periods of prolonged storage, yet the recent failures imply that the wear on consumables has accelerated despite the moderate annual usage. Front brake components, shock absorbers and suspension bushings tend to reach the end of their service life around the 100‑150 k mile mark, so the current mileage places the vehicle in the higher risk zone for fatigue‑related failures and the need for major component replacement. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system. Inspect the front discs for deep scoring, cracking or excessive thinning and verify that the pads are above the 3 mm minimum; any pulsation, shudder or increase in stopping distance under hard braking would confirm the MOT findings. The leaking nearside front shock absorber should be checked for fluid seepage around the damper body and for loss of rebound control, which will manifest as a pronounced clunk or uneven bounce when compressing the front wheel over bumps. The advisory on the off‑side track rod‑end ball joint warrants a hands‑on check of the joint for play in both vertical and horizontal planes; excessive movement will produce a knocking noise from the front suspension during cornering or when hitting road irregularities. Finally, verify that both windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively and that the ball‑joint dust covers are intact to keep contaminants out of the joints. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related items should be examined. Tyre sidewalls should be inspected for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that can arise from calendar ageing even on modest mileage; the tread depth must exceed the legal 1.6 mm limit and be consistent across the tyre face. Check the 12‑V battery for voltage drop and corrosion on terminals, as a twelve‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and confirm that they have been changed within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, since fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. A thorough visual inspection of the under‑body for rust, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, will reveal any hidden corrosion that could compromise structural integrity. If the service book is available, ensure that major services, timing‑chain checks and any recall work have been logged, as these records will give further confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.