2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · MX10 RZA

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 24 March 2026 at 94,201 miles, but the record shows a clear pattern of deteriorating condition rather than improvement. The same critical faults—corroded rear suspension components, perished suspension bushes, worn brake pads, and a corroded front subframe—persisted from the previous test just one day earlier, indicating these issues were not addressed between tests. The brake pedal wear and steering rack play also remained unchanged, suggesting routine maintenance has been neglected in favour of minimal compliance. The recorded mileage of 94,201 over 16 years equates to roughly 5,900 miles annually, which is below average for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests shows a jump of 6,420 miles, significantly higher than the annual average, while the prior year’s increase was only 4,804 miles. This suggests a period of heavier use in the last 12 months, possibly after a long period of inactivity. The fact that the car was driven nearly 2,000 miles in a single day between the failed and passed tests on 23–24 March 2026 raises questions about whether repairs were genuinely completed or simply bypassed. A buyer must inspect the front subframe for structural corrosion, particularly around the suspension mounting points, as this has been flagged in four consecutive tests and represents a serious safety risk. The rear coil springs and lower suspension arms are severely corroded and should be replaced immediately, as their failure could lead to loss of control. The brake system requires urgent attention: the rear pads were below the legal limit in the last test, and the discs are pitted, meaning they are likely beyond safe reuse. The constant velocity joint boots on both front drive shafts have been failing for over a year, risking grease loss and dirt ingress that will destroy the joints. The steering rack play and frayed seatbelt webbing are secondary concerns but still demand verification. The tyres, while currently legal, are worn to the edge and should be replaced regardless of tread depth. This car has been maintained only to the bare minimum required to pass, not to ensure reliability.