2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · MF15 OTB

The latest MOT test conducted in January 2026 resulted in a pass, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. There is a persistent pattern of advisories regarding the braking system and tyre wear that have remained on the record for several years without being fully addressed. The emergence of a new oil leak and play in the suspension components in the most recent test suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of accelerated wear and that preventative maintenance has been neglected in favour of minimum compliance. The vehicle has covered 85,196 miles over approximately 11 years, averaging roughly 7,745 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a Nissan Qashqai of this vintage, suggesting the car has been used regularly rather than sitting idle. While this avoids the risks of seized calipers or perishing seals associated with low-use vehicles, it means that high-wear consumables and rubber bushings are reaching the end of their expected service life, which is reflected in the recurring MOT advisories. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system, as the front brake discs have been flagged as pitted or scored for three consecutive years. This indicates a failure to replace the discs and pads as a matched set, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and pedal shudder. During a test drive, listen for grinding noises and feel for any vibration under heavy braking. The recurring tyre wear on the edges suggests a likely wheel alignment issue or worn suspension geometry. Furthermore, the reported play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint should be checked for clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or during low-speed manoeuvring. The most recent advisory regarding an oil leak requires a thorough physical inspection of the engine bay and the underside of the chassis to identify the source and volume of the leak. A gradual seep may be manageable, but a more significant leak could indicate failing gaskets or seals that will require costly intervention. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, the buyer must verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based maintenance, such as coolant flushes and oil changes, has been performed. Finally, the rear brake pads are now noted as wearing thin and will require immediate replacement to prevent damage to the rear discs.