2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LS60 VBL

A consistent run of clean MOT passes over consecutive testing cycles points to a vehicle that has maintained its roadworthiness fundamentals well into its mid-teens, with the most recent examination on 14 June 2025 returning no recorded advisories and following the same defect-free pattern established in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This unbroken streak of clean results suggests that the major testable systems — including braking performance, suspension condition, exhaust integrity, lighting, and structural corrosion points — have all remained within prescribed limits without the need for flagged attention. For a car of this age and mileage bracket, the absence of recurring advisories is notable, as older vehicles typically begin to surface wear items such as corroded brake pipes, worn suspension bushes, or exhaust deterioration on a regular basis. The history as presented indicates a mechanically stable platform that has not, on the record, shown progressive deterioration between tests. With 168,450 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, the annual mileage averages out at around 10,500 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical mixed private and commuter usage patterns for this class of crossover. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would indicate prolonged periods off the road, and the steady year-on-year accumulation suggests the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than suffering long lay-ups that can bring their own issues through seized components, perished seals, and stale fluids. Mechanically, this usage profile is more favourable than either very low annual mileage, which allows standing-start corrosion and fluid degradation, or extremely high accumulation, which accelerates wear on the clutch, turbocharger (where fitted), engine mounts, and transmission internals. At this mileage band, however, it would be reasonable to expect that major service items such as timing chains, dual-mass flywheels, and suspension refresh work may have been required outwith the MOT schedule, and these are areas where the test record alone provides no visibility. Given the clean MOT history but the cumulative mileage on a sixteen-year-old drivetrain, a prospective buyer should focus their pre-purchase inspection on the items that the test does not fully cover or that have likely accrued wear regardless of test outcomes. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar link bushes, or top mount deterioration — all common wear items on Qashqais of this generation. Pay attention to steering behaviour: any vagueness, knocking through the rack, or uneven self-centring can indicate worn tie rod ends or strut bearings. Check the clutch for slipping under hard acceleration, any judder on take-off, or a high biting point that has progressively risen, as the original clutch assembly is unlikely to have survived this mileage without replacement. Listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, particularly within the first few seconds, as the QR20DE and related engines in this range are known for chain stretch symptoms at high mileage. Inspect for oil leaks around the cam cover gasket, sump, and front crankshaft seal, which tend to develop with age and can be deceptive about underlying gasket condition. For the braking system specifically, although the MOTs have not flagged any concerns, the buyer should still evaluate feel and response on test. The pedal should be firm and progressive without excessive travel, sponginess, or any pulsation through the pedal under firm application, the latter indicating front disc warping which is common at this mileage. With the vehicle jacked safely, visually inspect the underside for any fresh signs of fluid weeping from brake pipes, caliper slider pins, or the rear drum mechanism, as brake pipes in particular are prone to corrosion along their run despite passing tests in previous years. Inspect the exhaust system for any blowing joints or signs of corrosion at the typical failure points around the flex joint and rear silbox mounting area, as these can deteriorate between tests without triggering a failure until the integrity is significantly compromised. Finally, confirm that all fluid services — engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil if applicable — have been carried out at appropriate intervals, as the absence of advisories tells you nothing about preventative maintenance, and at this mileage these items are critical to the longevity of the major mechanical assemblies.