2009 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Petrol · MX09 WGY

The 2009 Nissan Qashqai presents a mixed mechanical picture, with a maintenance trend that is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring minor faults rather than serious structural decline. The most recent MOT on 31 July 2025 at 115,694 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester still flagged a corroded rear sub-frame and an oil leak, both of which have persisted across multiple tests. A non-functioning nearside rear registration plate lamp and a child seat blocking the adult belt inspection are minor administrative items, but the ongoing sub-frame corrosion advisory is the more telling finding. Comparing this to the July 2024 test at 111,664 miles, the vehicle has covered 4,030 miles in twelve months, a low annual rate that may explain why some wear items have not deteriorated significantly. The rear sub-frame and suspension arm corrosion noted in 2024 was described as not seriously weakened, and the 2025 tester echoed that assessment, suggesting the corrosion has not worsened to a critical level. The oil leak, present in both 2024 and 2025, remains classified as not excessive, indicating a slow seep rather than a sudden failure. Overall, the vehicle has not developed any new major defects between these two most recent tests, but the persistence of corrosion and fluid leaks points to an owner who has tolerated minor deterioration rather than addressing it proactively. The mileage accumulation pattern is consistent and unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. From 99,087 miles in November 2022 to 104,219 miles by August 2023, the car added 5,132 miles in roughly nine months. The subsequent jump to 111,664 miles by July 2024 represents 7,445 miles over eleven months, and the final 4,030 miles to the July 2025 test brings the total to 115,694. Annual mileage has hovered between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, which is below the national average and suggests predominantly short urban or suburban use. There are no alarming gaps in the MOT record that would indicate long periods of dormancy, and the yearly test cycle has been maintained without interruption. The relatively gentle mileage may have helped preserve the drivetrain and braking components, though it does not excuse the unresolved corrosion issues. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the structural underside, particularly the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points. The 2024 test flagged corrosion on both offside and nearside rear suspension arm attachment brackets and mountings, and the rear sub-frame itself has appeared as an advisory in both 2024 and 2025. While the testers have not deemed the corrosion serious enough to fail the vehicle, any visible flaking, scaling, or soft metal around these areas warrants a thorough check with a torch and probe. The persistent oil leak, noted in 2023, 2024, and 2025, should be traced to its source. Common culprits on this generation Qashqai include the camshaft cover gasket, oil filter housing, or crankshaft seals. A small seep may be tolerable, but pooling oil near the turbocharger or exhaust manifold poses a fire risk. The rear brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in 2023, and although the 2024 and 2025 tests did not repeat this advisory, a physical inspection of disc thickness and condition is prudent given the vehicle's age. The front brake discs were similarly noted in 2023, so a full set of discs and pads may be approaching replacement. Suspension wear is evident from the 2023 advisories, which included slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, slight play in the offside front track rod end, and a worn nearside front rear suspension bush. These items were not flagged in the 2024 or 2025 tests, suggesting they may have been replaced or that the wear has not yet reached the threshold for a new advisory. A test drive over uneven surfaces will reveal any remaining clunking or vagueness in the front end. The anti-roll bar dust cover deterioration noted in 2024 should also be checked, as a split cover allows water and grit to accelerate joint wear. Tyre condition has been a recurring theme, with both nearside front and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit in the 2023 test. Uneven wear patterns, particularly on the nearside, may indicate tracking issues or worn suspension bushes that have not been corrected. A fresh tyre inspection and four-wheel alignment check would be a sensible precaution before purchase.