2006 Nissan Pathfinder 2.5L Diesel · LS56 AMO

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 15 June 2022, resulted in a failure. The failure was driven by a major defect on the nearside rear wheel bearing with excessive play, significant corrosion of the vehicle structure and brake pipe, and a rear brake disc that is worn, pitted and scored. Earlier tests show a mixed picture: a pass in February 2021 with only advisory notes, a pass in January 2020, but a series of failures and major defects in 2020‑01‑11, 2017‑05‑31 and 2017‑05‑31, indicating that the condition of the vehicle has been deteriorating rather than improving. The recurrence of wheel‑bearing noise, ball‑joint play and suspension failures suggests that remedial work has either not been carried out or has not been sufficient to arrest the wear progression. At 139,530 miles the Pathfinder averages roughly 6,970 miles per year over its twenty‑year life. This is a typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age, but the pattern of mileage combined with the MOT record hints at periods of low utilisation, possibly long spells of standing. Low annual mileage can mask age‑related degradation; components such as rubber bushings, seals and the battery can deteriorate even when the car is not driven much. Conversely, the mileage is high enough that consumables such as brake discs, wheel bearings and suspension bushings will have experienced substantial wear cycles and should be inspected for fatigue. For a prospective buyer the priority should be a thorough inspection of the rear wheel bearing on the nearside, checking for lateral play and any grinding or humming noises while the vehicle is lifted and the wheels are turned. The front anti‑roll bar ball joints and rear anti‑roll bar ball joints, which have been flagged for slight play on several occasions, must be examined for excessive movement and worn splines; any clunk or looseness when steering or over bumps is a warning sign. The rear brake disc, already noted as pitted, should be measured for thickness and surface condition; if the scoring is deep or the disc is close to the minimum allowable thickness, replacement of the disc – and possibly the pads – will be required. The corroded brake pipe should be inspected for rust perforation or leaks, and the general corrosion advisory on the vehicle structure warrants a visual check for rust on bulkheads, sills and mounting points, particularly around the wheel arches and under‑body, to ensure structural rigidity has not been compromised. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also verify the condition of the tyres, looking for sidewall cracking, dry rot and tread depth, as tyres older than six years can become unsafe regardless of wear. The 12‑volt battery should be load‑tested, as prolonged standing can cause sulphation and loss of capacity. All fluid reservoirs – engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and power‑steering fluid – should be examined for colour, level and signs of contamination; brake fluid, in particular, should be replaced if it is darker than amber or if the vehicle has been idle for many years. Finally, request a full service history and confirm that timing‑belt or chain intervals have been observed, as failure of the timing system on a 2006 Pathfinder could lead to catastrophic engine damage. A comprehensive test drive listening for wheel‑bearing rumble, suspension clunks, brake shudder and any abnormal vibrations will give the most reliable indication of the current roadworthiness.