2021 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · LS21 YMF

A clear and consistent pattern of roadworthiness emerges from the available DVSA records for this 2021 Nissan Qashqai, with all three recorded tests resulting in passes and no failures, dangerous defects, or structural advisories on file. The most recent assessment on 1 September 2025 was again a pass, though it introduced the only advisory items seen across the three-year history, both concerning the rear braking system. Specifically, the rear brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored though not seriously weakened, and the rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin. This is a relatively benign advisory combination typical of a vehicle whose rear axle consumables are approaching the end of their service life, but the fact that the 2024 and 2023 tests recorded no defects at all indicates a progressive wear pattern rather than a sudden or chronic deterioration. Mileage accumulation of 50,761 miles across roughly five years equates to approximately 10,150 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK usage for a family crossover of this age. The annual rate is neither conspicuously low nor unusually high, and the steady accumulation suggests regular rather than intermittent use, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity because components such as brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes are exercised consistently rather than suffering prolonged standing periods. The MOT history contains no significant gaps or unusual mileage jumps between tests, indicating continuous road use. There is no evidence of extended lay-up that might raise concerns about corrosion, seized brakes, or perished rubber components. For a prospective buyer, the rear braking system identified in the 2025 advisories should be the principal focus of a physical inspection. The scored and pitted rear discs suggest the pads have been allowed to wear down to a point where metal-to-metal contact or uneven pad transfer has begun to mark the disc surface, and on the test drive any pronounced vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, or a tendency for the rear of the vehicle to pull or grab unevenly, would indicate that the discs are beyond a simple pad replacement. It is worth listening for any grinding, squealing, or clonking from the rear hubs on light throttle, as worn pad material on scored discs can produce audible feedback. The wear pattern is also worth correlating with the front brakes, which were not flagged, as uneven pad wear across the axle can suggest a sticking caliper or a misadjusted handbrake mechanism placing excessive load on the rear shoes or pads. Beyond the recorded advisories, the test drive should include a check for any knock or clonk from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as worn rear brake components can sometimes be accompanied by ageing suspension bushes, particularly given that the vehicle has now covered over 50,000 miles. Steering should remain centred and free of vibration at speed, and the footbrake should feel firm and progressive without sponginess or excessive travel, which would point to healthy hydraulic condition rather than a deeper system concern. With the next MOT due in September 2026 and the rear brake items likely to progress further by then, budgeting for rear discs and pads in the near term is a sensible precaution based directly on the recorded advisory data.