2009 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Petrol · LR59 WCV

The most recent MOT test on 20 September 2025 resulted in a Pass, but the preceding tests on 17 September 2025 and 1 September 2025 both resulted in failures containing items of a serious nature, which indicates a clear worsening trend in the vehicle's roadworthiness over the short term rather than a stable or improving maintenance pattern. The 17 September 2025 test is particularly concerning, as it recorded a Dangerous defect concerning the nearside front lower suspension arm being likely to become detached, alongside Major defects for both headlamp aim being too low. The 1 September 2025 failure further compounds concerns, with Major defects recorded for an airbag or supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault, an engine management indicator lamp inoperative or showing a malfunction, multiple direction indicator colour and function issues, and a rear indicator not working at all. The Advisory and Minor items from the 20 September 2025 pass, relating to a perished nearside rear tyre and a deteriorated offside front track rod end dust cover, suggest that the underlying mechanical condition has not been fully resolved and that further deterioration in these areas can reasonably be expected. Against a vehicle age of approximately 17 years, the recorded mileage of 115,504 miles equates to an annual average of around 6,794 miles, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a car of this vintage and is neither notably low nor excessively high. There are no large unexplained gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, although the absence of recorded mileage progression on some of the older entries limits a full continuity check. The 2025 test cluster suggests the vehicle was being actively used and presented for testing in quick succession, which is consistent with someone attempting to remedy an accumulation of faults. At this mileage, general wear-related items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, pads, and drivetrain mounts should be regarded as approaching or already past the midpoint of their typical service life. Given the recent Dangerous and Major suspension, lighting, and safety system defects, a prospective buyer should subject this Qashqai to a particularly thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. The nearside front lower suspension arm should be examined for any signs of recent replacement or, conversely, evidence of substandard repair, as a component in this area being likely to become detached represents a serious safety failure; on the road, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over bumps, and check for uneven front tyre wear which often points to worn suspension components. The offside front track rod end dust cover deterioration noted as a Minor advisory should be monitored, as a failed gaiter will quickly allow dirt ingress and accelerate joint wear, leading to steering play and uneven tyre wear; inspect the tyres for feathered edges and check for any free play in the steering by rocking the wheel with the car raised. Headlamp alignment should be rechecked after any front-end work, and the supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault, together with the engine management indicator lamp issue, should be investigated through a diagnostic read to establish whether these relate to historic intermittent faults or active concerns, as unresolved airbag faults will result in an immediate MOT failure and present a significant safety risk. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should also carry out age- and mileage-related checks appropriate to a 17-year-old vehicle. Tyres should be examined not just for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing, particularly on the nearside rear where an advisory was raised, and wheels should be inspected for corrosion around the rim bead which can prevent effective sealing. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for seizing, surface corrosion, and uneven pad wear, as standing periods combined with age often lead to binding calipers and grooved discs. Coolant and brake fluid should be considered due for renewal on a time basis irrespective of mileage, as moisture absorption degrades their protective properties, and the 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its typical service life. Finally, verify that the service book is fully stamped and that supporting invoices exist for the recent suspension, lighting, and emissions-related repairs, as this will help confirm that the Dangerous and Major defects have been properly resolved and not merely patched for the purpose of obtaining a test pass.