2008 Nissan Skyline 2.5L Petrol · M646 OEL

The Nissan Skyline’s MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of neglect, culminating in a recent failure with no recorded defects—a red flag in itself. The March 2025 test at 158,930 miles was the first failure in over six years, yet the tester logged no advisories or defects, suggesting either an incomplete inspection or deliberate suppression of issues. Prior tests in 2022, 2019, and 2018 all passed without faults, but the absence of any advisories or minor wear items (such as tyre tread or wiper condition) implies the vehicle may have been driven to test unmaintained. The most recent failure, just over a year ago, raises immediate questions about whether critical components—such as suspension bushes, brake fluid condition, or exhaust emissions—were overlooked or deliberately ignored. The mileage accumulation is unusually slow for a vehicle of this age, averaging just under 8,830 miles per year, which could indicate prolonged periods of disuse or minimal driving. Between March 2018 and May 2022, the odometer barely moved from 152,400 to 158,278 miles—a span of nearly four years with just 5,878 miles covered. This stagnation suggests the car may have sat unused for extended periods, risking issues like seized joints, degraded seals, or even structural corrosion from lack of movement. The sudden failure in 2025, however, contradicts this pattern, as it implies the vehicle was driven to test in an unroadworthy state—something that would not occur if it had been properly maintained or inspected before each test. Given the sparse and suspicious MOT record, a buyer should prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on areas typically neglected in poorly maintained vehicles. The suspension—particularly the rear coil springs, bushes, and ball joints—should be checked for wear or binding, as these are common failure points in underused cars. Brakes, including caliper condition, disc thickness, and fluid condition, must be verified, as the 2025 failure with no defects recorded could mask serious brake system issues. Structural integrity is another critical concern; the floor pans, sills, and subframe should be inspected for corrosion, especially given the vehicle’s age and potential for prolonged standing. Finally, the exhaust system, emissions readings, and tyre condition (tread depth and sidewall cracks) should be scrutinised, as these are often overlooked in vehicles with erratic maintenance histories. The lack of advisories in prior tests makes this inspection non-negotiable.