2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LS11 UHT

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 18 February 2026, resulted in a PASS, although it is important to note that the vehicle failed an earlier test on the same date due to a fractured nearside front anti-roll bar linkage classified as Dangerous. The defect was rectified sufficiently to secure a pass, but the same test recorded advisories for rear brake pad wear, lower suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides, and light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber. The pattern of advisories across the 2025 and 2026 tests, covering anti-roll bar linkage play, suspension component wear, and brake pad thinning, suggests a gradual worsening of chassis and braking condition rather than a stable maintenance profile. Although the failures were addressed and the vehicle is presently roadworthy, the accumulating advisories indicate that several consumable and suspension components are approaching the threshold at which replacement will soon be necessary. With 105,815 miles recorded on a 2011 Nissan Qashqai, the vehicle has covered approximately 7,054 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with average private or mixed-use driving. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2021 onwards with mileage progression reflecting steady rather than erratic use, meaning the wear observed is consistent with gradual accumulation rather than extreme high-mileage abuse. However, even at average mileage, a fifteen-year-old vehicle will inevitably exhibit age-related degradation of rubber, plastic, and fluid-based components, and the recorded advisories confirm that suspension bushes, anti-roll bar hardware, and brake friction material are all beginning to show the expected wear characteristics for this age and mileage bracket. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the items flagged on recent tests. The fractured anti-roll bar linkage is a serious stability and handling component, and although it was replaced, the nearside side should be inspected to confirm the new component is correctly seated and torqued. The advisory regarding both lower suspension arm pins or bushes warrants a careful test drive over uneven road surfaces, listening for clonks, knocks, or vague steering response; visible movement at the joints during a physical check would confirm that replacement is imminent. The nearside front shock absorber oil misting suggests the seal is beginning to fail, and symptoms such as uneven nose weight, excessive body roll through corners, or extended stopping distances under braking would indicate deterioration. A further road test should include firm braking from higher speeds to detect any shudder or pulling, given that rear brake pads were recorded as wearing thin and a previous inner pad on the nearside front was found below the legal minimum. Beyond the flagged items, age-appropriate inspections remain essential. The 2023 advisory for perished and cracked rear tyres of size 215/55/18 highlights the ongoing vulnerability of rubber compounds to UV degradation, so all four tyres and the spare should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, bulging, or tread depth below 1.6 mm, regardless of apparent condition. Brake discs should be checked for corrosion ridges around the perimeter, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, and the handbrake should be applied firmly several times to confirm the rear calipers are not seizing. The 12V battery, given its age, should be load-tested to verify cranking performance, and the vehicle history should be examined for evidence of regular servicing including cambelt replacement, which is due at typical intervals on this engine, along with confirmation that coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or transfer fluid where applicable have been changed at calendar-appropriate intervals rather than purely by mileage. A compression or leak-down test, combined with inspection for oil leaks from the engine and transmission, would further establish mechanical integrity ahead of purchase.