2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · NJ63 BWD

The most recent MOT history for this 2013 Nissan Qashqai reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects on either test. The vehicle failed twice in April 2025—just one day apart—at 86,969 and 86,970 miles, suggesting an undiagnosed issue that evaded both tests. The previous clean passes in November 2023 and September 2022 indicate no consistent mechanical failures, but the 2025 failures imply either a sudden deterioration or a systemic oversight in maintenance. The lack of advisory notes on either test means the tester did not identify any minor concerns that could have escalated, leaving the cause of the 2025 failures unexplained in the record. Given the proximity of the failures and the absence of defects, this raises suspicion of either a test centre error or a critical component failing intermittently. The mileage progression of 86,970 miles over 13 years aligns closely with the average annual distance for this age group, averaging around 6,690 miles per year. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in mileage, which would otherwise signal periods of neglect or heavy use. The most notable interval is the 13-month gap between the 2023 and 2025 tests, during which the vehicle accumulated roughly 13,944 miles. While this is typical for a used car, the lack of any advisory notes in 2023—despite the vehicle being just over 100,000 miles old—suggests either diligent maintenance or that wear items like suspension bushes and brake components were replaced proactively. The consistent mileage suggests the vehicle has not been left stationary for prolonged periods, which could mitigate some corrosion risks. Given the unexplained failures in 2025, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and pads, as binding brakes are a common cause of intermittent MOT failures. The suspension should be thoroughly checked for worn or leaking bushes, particularly at the rear, where alignment issues often manifest as erratic handling. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and the subframe should be inspected for structural integrity, as hidden rust can compromise safety without immediate visual signs. The exhaust system should also be examined for leaks or excessive corrosion, especially around the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, which are frequent failure points in this model. The absence of advisory notes in prior tests does not guarantee these areas are sound, so a detailed mechanical assessment is essential.