2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LS66 FSJ

The 2016 Nissan Qashqai presents a mixed roadworthiness profile characterized by a generally clean recent history punctuated by three distinct advisory events spanning the past five years. The most recent MOT conducted on 2026-02-06 returned a passing result with no defects noted, indicating that the vehicle has held up reasonably well through subsequent service intervals. However, the underlying technical story reveals a pattern of recurring minor issues rather than major systemic failures. Between 2024 and 2022, the car accumulated advisory warnings concerning the offside rear shock absorbers showing light oil misting, the offside front tyre exhibiting structural damage with a tear on the outer sidewall, and the nearside rear windshield wiper failing to clear the windscreen entirely. A single failed test occurred in September 2022 where both the offside front tyre tear and the windshield wiper deficiency were combined into a failed assessment, suggesting that the earlier warning signs did not resolve themselves before the next MOT. Despite these intermittent alerts, the current passing status indicates the vehicle remains roadworthy, though the cumulative effect of repeated minor advisories warrants attention during a test drive. The mileage figure of 48,244 miles on a vehicle that is approximately ten years old represents an unusually low annual accumulation rate of roughly 4,824 miles per year, which deviates significantly from typical usage patterns for a model of this age. This low mileage could reflect infrequent driving, extended periods of storage, or a combination of factors such as seasonal usage or the vehicle being kept in a climate-controlled environment. From a mechanical perspective, lower annual mileage typically translates to reduced wear on high-usage components such as brake pads, drum/solid disc systems, suspension bushings, and brake lines compared to a vehicle with consistently higher mileage. While the low mileage might initially appear advantageous, the presence of specific advisories involving the offside rear shock absorbers and the front tyre suggests that even with modest driving, certain components have experienced sufficient stress to trigger warning indicators. The irregular gap between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs (approximately eleven months) followed by another nine-month interval until the 2023 test implies that service intervals were maintained but not necessarily optimized, leaving room for undetected degradation in areas already flagged by prior advisories. The offside rear shock absorbers presenting light oil misting in April 2024 points to potential internal lubricant leakage within the shock mount assembly, which if left unaddressed could compromise the shock's ability to absorb vertical and lateral vibrations during cornering or bumpy sections of the road. During a test drive, the buyer should monitor for any dampness or oily residue around the rear shock mounts and pay particular attention to the rear suspension travel when the vehicle is loaded or navigating potholed surfaces—any abnormal noise or a feeling of sponginess would confirm this issue. The offside front tyre tear identified in September 2022, classified as a structural failure of the outer sidewall, requires visual inspection for any remaining cracks, cuts, or delamination that could propagate under continued load. When handling the vehicle, especially during sharp turns or when traversing uneven pavement, the buyer should watch for uneven tyre wear patterns, a soft spot in the tread, or a sudden loss of traction that could indicate further deterioration of the affected tyre's construction. Additionally, the same period saw the nearside rear windshield wiper failing to clear the windscreen entirely, which if persistent, may indicate misalignment of the wiper arm, debris obstructing the blade path, or a worn wiper motor bearing causing erratic operation. These issues should be checked by observing whether the wiper makes full contact with the glass throughout the entire stroke and whether the blade moves smoothly across the surface without skipping or dragging. Given the specific component history, the buyer should conduct a hands-on inspection focusing on the rear suspension linkage for oil contamination around the shock absorbers, perform a thorough visual examination of the offside front tyre for structural integrity and tread balance, and verify the proper functioning of the windshield wiper mechanism while the vehicle is in motion. It is prudent to also inspect the subframe and bodywork for any rust or corrosion, particularly around the rear axle area and wheel arches, as prolonged periods of low mileage can sometimes mask the progression of rust that becomes apparent only under certain driving conditions. Since the most recent MOT was passed in February 2026 with no new defects, the immediate priority is to address the known advisories rather than assume their resolution, as the 2022 failed test indicated that some issues persisted despite initial remediation efforts. A professional inspection of the shock absorber internals, tyre sidewalls, and wiper alignment will provide definitive confirmation of whether the reported problems remain active, ensuring the purchase decision is based on verified current condition rather than historical warning signs alone.