2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · LS66 UDP

The most recent MOT test on 2025-09-26 resulted in a failure due to a major defect in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which was classified as excessively worn, indicating significant mechanical failure beyond the legal threshold. This failure follows a previous passing MOT in 2024, where only minor advisories were noted, suggesting that the suspension system has not been consistently maintained to a high standard. The pattern of recurring advisories—particularly around tyre wear, damage, and structural integrity issues—alongside the single major failure, paints a picture of either inadequate servicing or gradual wear progression that has not been addressed promptly. The vehicle’s history shows a mixed but generally declining trend in roadworthiness, with the latest test highlighting a critical component failure that could compromise handling, steering precision, and overall vehicle stability. The recorded mileage of 90,473 miles for a 2016 Nissan Qashqai, spread over roughly ten years, represents an average annual usage of around 9,047 miles, which is on the higher end for this vehicle’s age but not abnormally excessive. Lower mileage could indicate periods of prolonged inactivity or infrequent use, which can lead to issues such as standing corrosion, particularly in the brake systems, suspension components, and undercarriage, where moisture and road salt accumulate. Conversely, higher mileage accumulates more wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension elements, accelerating the degradation of critical components. Given the vehicle’s usage profile, the suspension ball joint failure is particularly concerning, as it often results from prolonged stress on the arm and joint bearings, which may have been exacerbated by either heavy load conditions or lack of regular maintenance. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing immediate concern is the failed offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which requires urgent replacement to prevent further damage to the steering system, wheel alignment, and potential suspension collapse. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the front suspension, particularly clunks or rattles when driving over bumps, which may indicate loose or worn suspension components. Inspect the front wheels for uneven tyre wear patterns, which could suggest misalignment or binding in the steering components. Additionally, check for any play or binding in the steering wheel, as this may signal a failing ball joint or other suspension linkage issues. Beyond this, the vehicle’s tyre history is notable for repeated advisories regarding wear close to legal limits and minor damage, so a thorough tyre inspection is essential. Look for uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking, or any signs of bulges, which could indicate underlying structural or manufacturing defects. Verify that all tyres meet the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm and consider replacing them if they are worn to this limit or show signs of excessive damage. In terms of broader maintenance and physical checks, given the vehicle’s age and mileage, focus on the following areas: examine the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding calipers, which are common in older vehicles that have been stationary for extended periods. Check the brake discs for uneven wear, scoring, or excessive thickness reduction, and listen for grinding noises when braking, which could indicate worn brake pads or metal-to-metal contact. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks or excessive noise, as emissions-related advisories or failures may have been present in previous tests. Verify the condition of the MacPherson strut gaiters, which are splitting, as this can lead to oil leaks and reduced suspension performance. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the 12V battery is holding a charge, as older vehicles may suffer from degraded electrical systems due to prolonged inactivity. Finally, review the service history to confirm that fluid levels—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—have been topped up at recommended intervals, as fluid degradation can accelerate wear on critical components. Given the vehicle’s age, consider a comprehensive inspection of the engine bay for signs of oil leaks, worn belts, or failing hoses, as these issues often go unnoticed until they become severe.