2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · M44 YAC

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 September 2025 resulted in a Pass, although this should be read in the context of a related Fail recorded on the same date, which contained a Dangerous defect and three Major defects prior to remediation. The Dangerous item, an offside front anti-roll bar ball joint assessed as likely to become detached, represents a serious active safety concern and the suspension components on both front ends have been flagged repeatedly across multiple tests. The Major items included a split offside front inner CV joint boot on the drive shaft, an inoperative driver airbag, and a colour mismatch on the nearside front headlamp pair, while supplementary restraint system warning lamp faults were also flagged at the August 2025 test. When reviewing the overall trend, the pattern is one of compounding advisories on front brake pads, front suspension components, and structural corrosion, with the 2024 test already showing slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint which has since deteriorated to a Dangerous failure. This indicates a maintenance profile that is worsening rather than stable, and the buyer should expect a near-term spend on suspension renewal, brake replacement, and structural corrosion treatment. Recorded mileage stands at 93,209 miles over a sixteen-year vehicle life, equating to an average of roughly 5,800 miles per year, which is materially below typical usage for a vehicle of this age and type. Low annual mileage of this nature often reflects extended periods of standing or only short urban trips, both of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Irregular use accelerates corrosion of brake discs due to surface rust and infrequent bedding, promotes moisture accumulation in engine oil and brake fluid which degrades their protective properties over calendar time, and places cyclic stress on the 12V battery through incomplete recharge cycles. The lack of high-mileage wear on major drivetrain components should be balanced against the higher probability of seized calipers, perished rubber components, and degraded consumables that are age rather than distance bound. A significant gap in testing history is also evident, as no MOT records are shown between the 2024 cycle and the 2025 cycle, and the mileage accumulated between tests should be verified against the service book. Given the recurring advisories on front brake pad wear, the prospective buyer should anticipate that pad replacement is imminent and the condition of the front brake discs must be physically inspected for lipping, scoring, and corrosion pitting, particularly on a vehicle that may have stood for extended periods. On a test drive, listen for any rotational graunching or pulsing through the brake pedal, which would indicate disc distortion, and feel for any pulling to one side that might suggest a binding or seized caliper as the worn pads return to the discs. The repeated front anti-roll bar ball joint and lower suspension arm bush advisories warrant a thorough inspection on a bump course, listening for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces and checking for excess vertical or lateral play at the front wheels when jacked. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear and the offside front anti-roll bar linkage play should both be addressed, as these components typically deteriorate further once wear is first noted and will directly affect handling precision and tyre wear patterns. Beyond the recorded defects, age-appropriate inspections should be carried out regardless of the low mileage. Tyres may suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking due to age rather than tread wear, and the previous offside front tyre that was noted as worn close to the legal limit should be replaced and the wheel alignment checked. Examine the underbody carefully, particularly the lower vehicle structure already flagged as corroded, looking for any perforation or weakness in load-bearing areas, sills, and subframe mountings. Verify the condition and age of the 12V battery, as a sixteen-year-old unit is well beyond typical service life, and request evidence of recent replacement. Check the service history for stamps confirming replacement of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil within the recommended calendar intervals irrespective of distance covered, and consider a pre-purchase inspection with a borescope through the oil filler cap to check for valve train sludge common to low-use Qashqai engines. Finally, confirm that the supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault and airbag repair work have been properly completed and cleared from the diagnostic memory, as any residual fault here represents a fundamental safety concern.