2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LR15 RXT

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2015 Nissan Qashqai was conducted on 17 September 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. This is a positive immediate indicator, as a clean pass at over 116,000 miles suggests the car has been maintained to a roadworthy standard at the time of inspection. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance trend, having passed three consecutive tests between February 2023 and September 2025 without any noted advisories. The single failure recorded on 17 September 2024 is not accompanied by any defect data in the official log, which prevents a specific diagnosis of what caused the initial refusal. However, the swift pass just six days later on 23 September 2024 implies that the issue was likely minor, rectifiable, and not indicative of a chronic or structural mechanical fault. With 116,189 miles recorded on an eleven-year-old vehicle, the Qashqai has covered an average of approximately 10,563 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and class. This average rate of accumulation suggests consistent, regular use rather than periods of extended standing, which is generally favourable for the preservation of mechanical components such as the drivetrain, brake system, and suspension. There are no notable gaps or sudden mileage spikes in the recorded MOT history that would suggest clock irregularities or unusual usage patterns. That said, higher-mileage examples of this generation of Qashqai commonly experience accelerated wear to consumable items, so a thorough physical inspection is still warranted to ensure the recent clean MOT reflects the overall condition rather than merely a snapshot at the test date. Given the clean advisory history, the prospective buyer should shift focus toward age and mileage-appropriate checks that may not be flagged during a standard MOT inspection. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and a vehicle over a decade old is particularly susceptible to this. Brake discs should be checked for any excessive corrosion, scoring, or lipping, and the calipers should be inspected to ensure they are not seizing or binding, especially given the high overall mileage. The 12-volt battery is likely due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and prospective buyers should verify the cold-cranking performance, as a failing battery can cause electrical faults and starting issues. Additionally, the timing chain and ancillaries on the 1.5 and 1.6 dCi engines common to this model are known wear items beyond 100,000 miles, so any irregular idle or rattle upon cold starting warrants immediate investigation. Fluid-based servicing should also be verified independently of the MOT record, as fluid degradation is calendar-dependent rather than purely mileage-dependent. The engine oil and filter should have been changed at regular intervals, and the brake fluid, which is hygroscopic, typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage to prevent a soft pedal feel and reduced braking efficiency. The coolant should also be checked for condition and concentration, as neglected cooling systems can lead to internal corrosion and water pump failure on higher-mileage examples. Finally, during a test drive, the buyer should listen for any suspension clonks over uneven road surfaces, feel for any pulling under braking that might indicate warped discs or sticking calipers, and monitor for any blue exhaust smoke on startup that might suggest turbo or piston ring wear. Verifying the service book stamps and cross-referencing them with the recorded mileage will provide further confidence that this well-maintained Qashqai has been looked after throughout its life.