2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · LX62 DFY

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-05-13, passing with minor suspension-related advisories. However, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening — the same suspension components, particularly the ball joint and track rod end dust covers on the offside front, have been flagged in every MOT since 2022, with no resolution or improvement. The recurring nature of these faults suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than a one-off issue, and while the dust covers are not yet leaking or causing movement, their deterioration indicates imminent failure if left unaddressed. Mileage progression is consistent with the vehicle’s age — 122,612 miles over 14 years equates to roughly 8,758 miles per year, which is within the typical range for a used SUV of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in MOT records, and the annual mileage increase is steady, with no sudden spikes that might suggest aggressive use or neglect. The most recent test at 122,612 miles confirms the car has been regularly maintained, but the mechanical wear is accumulating predictably, especially in the front suspension system. Buyers should inspect the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends in person, as these components have been repeatedly flagged since 2022 and are now visibly deteriorating. The offside front suspension arm and track rod end dust covers are particularly critical — if they have failed, dirt ingress could accelerate wear and lead to binding or failure. Also check the front sub-frame bushes, which have been noted as worn in multiple tests. While the brakes and tyres were not flagged in the latest test, the prior records show tyre degradation, so a full tyre inspection is warranted. No structural rust or emissions issues have been recorded, but the suspension wear is the primary concern for long-term reliability. The vehicle’s mechanical condition reflects a pattern of gradual but persistent wear, not sudden failure. The fact that it continues to pass MOTs despite these issues suggests the owner has kept it functional, but the underlying components are nearing the end of their service life. A buyer should budget for immediate suspension component replacement, especially on the offside front, to avoid potential handling issues or safety risks down the road.