2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · LS12 EAE

The most recent MOT test on 12 February 2026 was a pass, but it should be viewed in close context with the failure recorded just three days earlier on 9 February 2026, where the vehicle was presented in a dangerous condition due to rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick. The subsequent pass includes advisories for the same rear brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored, alongside advisories for nearside front and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes showing wear, and both rear suspension arms showing corrosion. The overall maintenance trend is one of gradual worsening rather than steady upkeep. Looking back across the record, brake disc wear advisories have appeared on virtually every test since 2021, suspension component wear advisories have emerged from 2024 onwards, and tyre wear advisories have been noted in both 2025 and 2026. The cluster of major defects leading up to the latest pass, including a binding rear service brake, excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, and an inoperative nearside rear parking brake, indicates that wear items have been allowed to progress beyond acceptable limits before being addressed. With 138,621 miles recorded against an approximate age of fourteen years, the vehicle is averaging around 9,902 miles annually, which is a fairly typical usage profile for a family crossover of this vintage. There are no obvious extended gaps in the MOT testing record and no evidence of odometer irregularities within the documented tests, though mileage progression between tests does appear broadly consistent with regular daily use rather than periods of standing. This kind of steady, moderate mileage is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, but the cumulative wear on suspension, braking, and underbody components is now clearly manifesting as the vehicle enters the second decade of service. A prospective buyer should treat the brake-related history as the most pressing concern. The repeated advisories for pitted, scored, and lipped brake discs at both front and rear axles, combined with the dangerous failure for severely worn rear pads and the major defect for an excessively binding rear service brake, suggest that the entire rear brake assembly may need refurbishment rather than a simple pad replacement. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding noises when applying the brakes, feel for any pulling to one side, and check for brake shudder through the steering wheel, all of which would indicate that the discs have worn beyond their service limit. Handbrake travel was flagged as excessive in 2025, and the parking brake was found inoperative on one side in the February 2026 failure, so confirm on a hill-start that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without excessive lever travel. The suspension and steering advisories are equally significant and warrant close physical inspection. Worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both front sides, corroded rear suspension arms, and slight play in the offside front track rod end and anti-roll bar linkage ball joint all point to a vehicle that will benefit from a comprehensive front suspension refresh. On a test drive, pay attention to any knocking or clunking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, any wandering or instability in the steering, and any uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as this often signals worn bushes or geometry issues stemming from tired components. Given the vehicle's age, it would also be prudent to inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing even if the tread depth is adequate, as fourteen-year-old rubber deteriorates from age regardless of mileage. Verify the age and condition of the twelve-volt battery, check the condition and date of the brake fluid and coolant to confirm they have been changed within their recommended service intervals, and closely examine the underbody and suspension components for any structural corrosion, particularly around the rear suspension arms where advisories have been raised. A pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic with the vehicle raised on a ramp would be strongly advisable given the cumulative defect history.