2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · NA60 ANR

The defining mechanical narrative of this 2010 Nissan Qashqai is one of accumulating suspension and corrosion-related wear rather than isolated incidents, with the most recent test on 9 October 2025 recording a pass but flagging brake disc wear on both axles, rear anti-roll bar corrosion, and a corroded offside rear coil spring, the latter having now appeared on three consecutive tests since 2023. Underlying this pass are two significant Major failures recorded within days of each other in October 2025: parking brake efficiency below requirements, a missing brake pedal anti-slip provision, and a non-functional nearside front position lamp, all of which were presumably rectified for the subsequent pass. The wider four-year record shows two further Major failures in October 2024 and October 2022, the latter involving a brake pad worn down to its wear indicator on the offside rear inner position together with an inoperative hazard warning switch and another failed position lamp. Steering and suspension deterioration is the most persistent theme, with advisories for lower arm ball joint play, outer steering linkage ball joint play, a deteriorated steering linkage dust cover, and inner play in the steering rack all appearing across the 2023 and 2024 tests, while coil spring corrosion has spread progressively from both front springs in 2023 to the rear offside spring by 2025. Recorded mileage of 91,235 miles across approximately sixteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,700 miles, which is below average for a car of this age and suggests either limited regular use, extended periods of standing, or a mixture of both. The MOT history contains no unusually long gaps between annual tests, with tests recorded consistently from 2022 through 2025, so there is no evidence of a multi-year lay-up that would raise concerns about dormant faults such as seized brakes, deteriorated fuel system components, or perished cooling system hoses. That said, the relatively low annual mileage does mean wear items such as the brake discs and pads now flagged have likely been worn over a longer time horizon rather than heavy use, and the corrosion noted on coil springs and the rear anti-roll bar is more consistent with age-related environmental exposure than with mechanical fatigue from high mileage. A prospective buyer should focus attention during a physical inspection on the suspension and steering components that have repeatedly attracted advisories. The coil springs on all four corners have shown corrosion, with the offside rear one now flagged on three successive tests, so a close visual examination underneath for any flaking, deep scaling, or actual cracking of the spring coils is essential, ideally with the vehicle raised. The track control arm rear bushes and lower arm ball joints should be checked by hand for any free play or knocking when a wheel is jacked and the wheel is rocked vertically and horizontally, and the steering should be turned lock to lock while stationary to detect any clonking from the inner rack joints that were previously noted. On a road test, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly under braking, and feel for any vagueness or notchiness through the steering wheel that would confirm worn inner tie rods or rack play. The braking system requires equally careful scrutiny given the October 2025 failure for parking brake efficiency. The handbrake should hold the vehicle firmly on a steep incline without creeping, and the pedal should have a firm, confidence-inspiring feel without excess travel or a spongy sensation, especially given the previous missing anti-slip provision on the pedal itself. The front and rear brake discs should be inspected for lipping at the outer edges, and a finger run across the braking surface should reveal the degree of pitting and scoring already noted on the advisories, with measurement by a garage confirming they remain above the minimum thickness. Finally, a thorough check underneath for any corrosion to subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and the fuel lines is advisable given the progressive spread of corrosion-related advisories, and all position lamps, registration plate lamps, and the hazard warning switch should be confirmed working before purchase, as failures in these basic electrical items have appeared at three of the four most recent test attempts.