2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LT66 VHO

The most recent MOT on 25 August 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding six years the majority of tests have also been passed, with only occasional advisory items relating to brake‑pad wear and a single failure in September 2025 that highlighted an excessive headlamp aim and critically thin rear brake pads. The fact that the 2025 failure was rectified and the 2026 test returned clean suggests a maintenance pattern that is now stabilising rather than deteriorating, provided the owner has kept up with the recommended brake and lighting repairs. At 87,039 mi the Qashqai has logged roughly 8,700 mi per year since its 2016 introduction, which is squarely within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious mileage spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity evident from the recorded data, so the wear on major mechanical components should be commensurate with normal calendar ageing rather than accelerated mileage‑related fatigue. Nonetheless, a vehicle of this age will have experienced a decade of exposure to road grime, moisture and temperature cycles, which can affect rubber components, corrosion‑prone fittings and fluid integrity irrespective of the relatively moderate mileage. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the braking system. Verify that the rear brake pads have been replaced since the 2025 dangerous finding; a visual check should show a uniform thickness well above the 1.5 mm minimum, and a road test should be free of any pulsation, shudder or grinding when applying the brakes, especially under moderate load. The front discs and pads, flagged as advisory in 2025, should also be examined for scoring, glazing or excessive rust, and any uneven pad wear could indicate sticking calipers or warped discs. Confirm that the headlamp aim is correctly set – a mis‑aimed near‑side unit can cause glare for on‑coming traffic and may re‑appear if the mounting bushings have deteriorated. Inspect the tyres for the presence of any repaired puncture (the 2020 nail) and assess tread depth, sidewall cracking and overall age; tyres older than six years can suffer dry‑rot even if the tread appears adequate. Beyond the brakes, conduct a thorough age‑related appraisal. Examine the suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for signs of corrosion, cracking or excessive play, which can manifest as clunking noises over bumps. Check the exhaust system for rust holes or loose mounts, and look for any fluid leaks around the engine bay, particularly coolant, oil and brake fluid, as seals tend to harden with time. The 12‑volt battery, now ten years old, should be tested for cranking voltage and electrolyte condition, as a weak battery can affect electronic stability aids. Finally, ensure that the service history is complete, that oil and filter changes have been performed at the recommended intervals, and that any time‑based fluid replacements (coolant, brake fluid) have been observed, since neglect in these areas can lead to internal corrosion and reduced component life.