2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LR59 WDN

The most recent DVSA examination dated 23 December 2024 resulted in a Pass, although it was issued alongside four separate advisories relating to the braking system. Both front and rear brake discs were flagged as pitted or scored though not considered seriously weakened, while both front and rear brake pad sets were noted as wearing thin. An earlier test on the same date was recorded as a Fail, but the only listed Major defect was an inoperative nearside rear registration plate lamp, which is a trivial electrical issue easily rectified. The previous test in November 2023 also produced a Pass with no advisories, though an earlier attempt that same day failed on minor lighting defects concerning the offside front position lamp and nearside front headlamp dipped beam. Across the available history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with the only recurring theme being lighting items of negligible mechanical consequence and the more recent advisory cluster pointing to ageing brake components. The recorded mileage of 51,443 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 3,000 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This figure suggests either genuinely light motoring or, more likely, extended periods of standing or very infrequent use. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it raises concerns regarding calendar-based degradation of items that deteriorate with age rather than use. Tyres, brake hydraulic systems, coolants, brake fluid, and the 12V battery are all subject to time-related decline, and prolonged standing can encourage corrosion of brake discs, seizing of caliper slide mechanisms, and deterioration of rubber components throughout the vehicle. Given the advisories raised on the latest test, prospective buyers should budget for imminent brake system maintenance. The pitted and scored condition of both front and rear discs indicates corrosion and surface wear consistent with a vehicle that has either covered modest mileage or been subject to extended standing periods, both of which promote surface oxidation on the friction faces. The thinning pads combined with rough disc surfaces are likely to produce symptoms such as brake shudder under firm pedal application, prolonged stopping distances, or squealing from the calipers on initial movement after standing. On a test drive, listen for clonking or grinding from the wheels, feel for vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal during moderate stops, and confirm that the vehicle pulls evenly to a halt without deviation. The brake fluid should also be assessed for age, as it typically requires renewal every two years regardless of mileage, and the rubber flexi hoses should be inspected for surface cracking. Beyond the braking system, the age of the vehicle warrants careful inspection of items affected by time rather than mileage. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which can occur well before the legal tread depth is reached, and the production DOT date code should be checked to confirm the rubber is not excessively aged even if the tread appears acceptable. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries in low-mileage vehicles frequently fail due to chronic undercharging rather than wear. Examine the underside and suspension components, paying particular attention to coil springs, anti-roll bar bushes, and wishbone bushes for cracking or perishing typical of a seventeen-year-old vehicle. Verify that all fluid services have been carried out at appropriate intervals, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil where applicable, and inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, which is common on vehicles of this age that have seen extended standing periods.