2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · ML66 GVD

Front suspension wear is the defining story of this Qashqai's record. In July 2024 it failed its MOT because the nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevented the ingress of dirt, with the offside front ball joint dust cover also flagged as severely deteriorated. Two years later, in August 2026, the nearside front ball joint itself was recorded as excessively worn, a major defect that caused another failure on the same day the car subsequently passed following rectification. This progression from deteriorated dust covers to a worn ball joint on the same corner is a coherent mechanical sequence: once a dust cover fails, grit and moisture enter the joint and accelerate wear. The latest pass on 27 August 2026 came with a single advisory for a minor exhaust gas leak at the central exhaust section, so the immediate roadworthiness position is satisfactory, but the recurring nearside front suspension history warrants careful scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 38,925 miles over roughly ten years equates to about 3,900 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age. The test history shows consistent annual presentation from 2021 onwards with no significant gaps, and the 2024 double test (a July failure followed by a September pass) plus the same-day fail and pass in August 2026 indicate defects were addressed promptly rather than left outstanding. Low annual mileage on a car used predominantly for short journeys can still produce the kind of wear seen here: ball joint dust covers degrade with age as much as with distance, and the front brake discs flagged as worn, pitted or scored in July 2024 are consistent with light use allowing surface corrosion to develop between braking events. The mileage itself does not suggest heavy drivetrain or suspension fatigue, but it does not exempt age-related rubber and corrosion deterioration either. For a test drive, the priority is the front suspension. Listen for knocking or clunking from the front corners over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the replacement ball joint or associated components such as drop links and bushes are already developing play. Check whether the steering pulls to one side under braking or feels vague on centre, and ask for evidence of what was replaced in August 2026, ideally the complete suspension arm or ball joint with a new dust cover, and whether the offside joint, whose dust cover was deteriorated in 2024, was renewed at the same time. If only the failed side was repaired, the offside joint remains a candidate for the same failure pattern. The braking and exhaust items deserve attention too. The front brake discs were advisory in 2024 for wear, pitting and scoring, so feel for judder or pulsing through the pedal and steering wheel under moderate braking from speed, and visually inspect the disc faces for heavy lipping or rust ridges. The minor exhaust leak at the central section noted in August 2026 should be listened for as a blowing or rasping note on a cold start and under acceleration; it is minor now but exhaust leaks at joints typically worsen, so factor a possible centre section repair into negotiations. Overall the record shows a car that passes consistently but has a documented weak point in its front suspension that a buyer should verify has been properly and symmetrically resolved.