2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LS59 OPC

The most recent MOT test on 2025-12-22 resulted in a passing grade, though the vehicle’s overall maintenance history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that have not been fully resolved. While the latest test shows only minor defects—an offside obligatory mirror damage and near-side windscreen damage—this follows a series of failures, notably in 2024-12-18 and 2024-05-29, where critical faults such as a non-functional horn, faulty airbag system, and improperly adjusted parking brake were identified. The presence of persistent advisories, particularly regarding brake pad and disc wear, as well as suspension ball joints and steering rack play, suggests that the vehicle has not been adequately serviced to address underlying mechanical degradation. The fact that the horn and parking brake issues recurred indicates either ongoing neglect or fundamental design or installation flaws that require immediate attention to prevent further safety compromises. The recorded mileage of 120,740 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 17 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 7,102 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. However, the mileage data alone does not fully explain the vehicle’s condition, as the gaps between MOT tests—particularly the significant time between 2021-06-02 and 2022-05-30—suggest periods of prolonged inactivity, which can exacerbate issues such as standing corrosion, fluid degradation, and component stiffness. Rapid mileage accumulation in later years could accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and drivetrain elements, given the history of severe failures in these areas. The combination of moderate mileage and repeated MOT failures points to either inconsistent maintenance or underlying mechanical stress that has not been mitigated. For a prospective buyer, this vehicle presents a high-risk purchase due to the critical recurring defects and the potential for further safety-related failures. Immediate attention should be given to the non-functional horn, which is a mandatory safety requirement and cannot be rectified without professional repair. The parking brake adjustment failure and excessive play in the offside front suspension ball joints and steering rack indicate compromised stability and handling, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions if not addressed. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunking from the suspension (suggesting worn ball joints or suspension arms), uneven brake pedal travel or shuddering (indicating warped discs or worn pads), and excessive steering play or binding (signifying steering rack or tie rod issues). Inspect the brake discs for scoring or excessive thickness loss, and check for fluid leaks around the suspension components and brake calipers, as these could signal impending failure. If the horn and airbag system faults are not rectified, the vehicle will fail future MOTs, making it a poor long-term investment. Beyond immediate repairs, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to identify signs of age-related deterioration. Given the vehicle’s age and the history of standing periods, check for corrosion on the undercarriage, particularly around wheel arches, exhaust systems, and brake components, as well as on the bodywork where water has pooled. Inspect the tyres for signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and road salt. Verify the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged inactivity can lead to sulfation or failure, and test the electrical systems, including the horn, lights, and airbag warning lamp, to ensure they are fully functional. Since the vehicle has not had a full service in recent years, consider checking the fluid levels—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—for signs of degradation, as these fluids can become gelled or contaminated over time. Finally, ensure that the service history is up to date, as the absence of recorded maintenance records for critical intervals like oil changes and brake servicing further raises concerns about long-term reliability.