2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LR68 AAZ

The 2018 Nissan Qashqai has maintained a clean MOT record since its most recent test on 2025-11-07, with no defects or advisories recorded at 43,190 miles. The only anomaly in this history is the single failure on 2024-11-21, which was immediately rectified by the subsequent test just six days later, suggesting either a minor oversight or a temporary operational issue rather than a recurring mechanical flaw. The absence of advisories or repeated failures indicates the vehicle has not experienced persistent issues with critical systems like suspension, brakes, or emissions. However, the lack of any recorded defects does not preclude the need for a thorough independent inspection, particularly given the vehicle’s age and the relatively low mileage. The mileage progression reveals an unusually low annual average of approximately 5,400 miles, which is well below the typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. Between 2022-09-20 and 2023-10-11, the car accrued just 6,270 miles over a year, and the gap between the 2024 failure and the subsequent pass—despite minimal mileage gain—implies periods of inactivity. Such low mileage could indicate the vehicle was either lightly used or stored for extended periods, which may have allowed for slower degradation of fluids, seals, or suspension components. The absence of any advisories related to corrosion or fluid leaks suggests these risks have not yet materialised, but the extended periods without movement warrant scrutiny of items like brake fluid condition, suspension bush wear, and potential corrosion in wheel arches or underbody areas. Given the clean MOT history, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection should focus on components that degrade predictably over time rather than those subject to sudden failure. The suspension, particularly the coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, should be examined for uneven wear or binding, as these are less likely to be caught by a basic MOT but can significantly affect handling and ride quality. Brake discs and pads, while not flagged in this record, should be checked for uneven wear or glazing, especially if the vehicle has been stored for prolonged periods, as moisture can accelerate corrosion. The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive rust, particularly around joints and mounting points, given the low mileage may have allowed for slower propagation of corrosion. Finally, the battery and electrical connections should be tested, as prolonged inactivity can lead to sulphate buildup or corrosion in terminals, which may not have been addressed if the vehicle was rarely driven.