2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · NA64 PSU

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-13 resulted in a passing outcome, though it was accompanied by several persistent advisories that indicate ongoing wear and potential long-term concerns. The vehicle’s maintenance history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, particularly in the front suspension and braking systems, with two failed MOTs in the past year—one in 2024-01-17 for a severely worn ball joint and another in 2025-01-27 for a deteriorated ball joint dust cover and play in the steering rack. While the 2025-01-13 and 2026-01-13 tests passed, the presence of advisories such as worn brake discs and tyres nearing legal limits suggests that the vehicle has not been fully addressed, and these defects may be worsening over time rather than being isolated incidents. The fact that the 2024-01-18 test was clean indicates that some maintenance has been undertaken, but the overall trend leans towards deferred or reactive servicing rather than proactive upkeep. The recorded mileage of 103,287 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 11 years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of around 9,390 miles, which is typical for its age and class. This level of mileage does not inherently indicate excessive wear beyond what is expected for a well-used car, but the combination of consistent mileage accumulation and the presence of multiple MOT failures suggests that the vehicle has been subjected to significant mechanical stress. The gaps between MOTs—particularly the two-year interval between 2024-01-18 and 2025-01-27—could imply periods of either low usage or standing, which may have exacerbated wear on components like tyres, brake discs, and suspension joints. However, the absence of higher mileage figures or signs of rapid wear (such as excessive oil consumption or unusual vibration) does not yet justify alarm, but the recurring failures warrant closer attention to prevent escalation. For the prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination are the front suspension and braking systems, as these have been flagged repeatedly. Focus on the front suspension rods, particularly the ball joints, which were both majorly worn in the 2024-01-17 failure and deteriorated in 2025-01-27. Visually check for excessive play in the steering wheel when shaking it at 10–15 mph, as slight play in the steering rack joints was noted in prior MOTs, which could indicate further deterioration. Listen for clunking noises from the front suspension during cornering or over bumps, which may signal worn suspension bushes or broken coil spring mounts. Additionally, inspect the front brake discs for binding, corrosion, or uneven wear, as the advisories suggest some pitting and scoring. A test drive should include checking for uneven tyre wear patterns, which could indicate misalignment or suspension issues, and monitoring for brake shudder or pulsation, which may point to warped discs or warped rotors. Beyond the immediate concerns, the tyres should be thoroughly examined for signs of sidewall perishing or cracking, which can weaken the structure at high speeds, especially given the vehicle’s age and the advisories on tyre wear. The battery should be tested for voltage and overall health, as standing for prolonged periods can lead to corrosion or internal degradation. The brake fluid should be checked for contamination or moisture buildup, as standing vehicles can accelerate fluid degradation over time. Finally, the service history should be reviewed to confirm that fluid changes—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—have been conducted at the recommended intervals, as calendar-based servicing is critical for components that degrade even when not in use. If the vehicle has been driven regularly, the wear advisories may be more manageable, but if it has been stored, the risk of further deterioration increases. A thorough inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion or leaks is also advisable, as the Qashqai’s age may have contributed to rust in vulnerable areas.