2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · MH65 AAE

A clear pattern of brake-related wear has emerged across the most recent MOT cycles, with the brake discs flagged as pitted and scored on all four corners at both the November 2025 and January 2025 tests, suggesting a recurrent issue that is unlikely to resolve without mechanical intervention. The November 2025 pass also noted a minor deterioration of the offside front lower steering linkage ball joint dust cover, which while not yet allowing contamination, represents an early stage of wear on a component that protects a critical steering joint from water and grit ingress. Despite these accumulating advisories, the vehicle has remained roadworthy across all recorded tests, with only one historical failure back in January 2023 due to a missing offside front road wheel fixing, a defect that is typically rectified at minimal cost and carries no broader mechanical implication. The overall trend points to a braking and steering area that requires proactive inspection rather than urgent repair, but the repeat advisory on the discs strongly suggests they are approaching the end of their serviceable life. The recorded mileage of 42,689 miles over an approximate ten-year span equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,269 miles, which is notably low for a family-oriented crossover of this age and indicates either significant periods of inactivity or predominantly light urban use. Such restrained usage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals, but it can accelerate degradation in items that suffer from prolonged standing, including brake discs through surface corrosion, suspension bushes from drying and cracking, and various rubber seals throughout the drivetrain. The continuity of the MOT testing record, with annual entries from 2023 onwards and no significant gaps, confirms the vehicle has remained in regular use and has not been subject to a long-term SORN status that might raise separate concerns about seized components or fluid degradation. There are no recorded mileage anomalies between tests that would suggest a discrepancy or clock irregularity. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority should be a thorough assessment of the braking system, as the advisory on all four brake discs has now appeared in two consecutive tests and will likely develop into a failure category if scoring deepens or lipping becomes pronounced. A test drive should include firm braking from higher speeds to detect any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal, which would confirm disc runout or thickness variation beyond acceptable limits, alongside a close visual inspection of the disc surfaces for visible ridges, blueing from overheating, or heavy corrosion around the outer edge. The rear brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin at the January 2025 test, so measuring remaining pad material against the backing plate is worthwhile, and the condition of the rear caliper carriers and slide pins should be confirmed as free moving to prevent uneven future wear. The minor advisory on the offside front lower steering linkage ball joint dust cover warrants careful attention, as a split or perished cover allows water and road grime to enter the joint, leading to accelerated wear and eventual play in the steering geometry. During a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, and check for vague or wandering steering response, both of which would indicate that the joint has deteriorated beyond the early stage currently recorded. Additionally, given the low annual mileage, it is sensible to inspect the condition of the tyres for signs of age-related sidewall cracking even if the tread depth remains adequate, and to verify that the vehicle has been serviced within the manufacturer recommended intervals despite the limited use, as oil and filter changes remain time-sensitive rather than purely mileage-dependent on a Nissan Qashqai of this vintage.