2013 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Petrol · OB13 ADE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 June 2026, was passed but recorded three advisories concerning wear on the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes and a note of play in the steering rack inner joint. Earlier in the series the vehicle suffered several failures – notably front tyre tread, headlamp, track‑rod ball joints and a cut rear tyre – but the pattern over the last two years shows a shift from outright failures to advisory‑only findings, indicating that the major safety‑critical items have been addressed and the overall maintenance trend is stabilising, albeit with persistent front‑suspension wear that should be monitored. At 92 965 mi the Qashqai has accumulated roughly 7 150 mi per annum over its 13‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the UK average for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity evident from the mileage record, suggesting the car has been driven regularly rather than left standing for extended intervals. This moderate annual mileage means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and bushings will be typical for its age, but it also implies that any components that have been replaced recently may still have useful life remaining. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Inspect the upper and lower control arm bushings and the ball‑joint pins for any signs of cracking, oil leakage or excessive play; a clunk or vague knock when braking or traversing bumps is a common symptom of worn bushings. The steering rack inner joint play noted in the latest advisory may manifest as a vague looseness or a vague “dead zone” before the wheels respond, especially at low speeds; a thorough road‑test should include gentle steering inputs at slow crawl and at higher speed to detect any wandering or delayed response. The tyre tread depth should be measured again, as the vehicle has a history of tyres falling below the legal 1.6 mm limit, and the sidewalls should be checked for age‑related cracking or perishing, especially given the vehicle’s age. Verify that both headlamps function correctly on dipped and main beams, and confirm that the registration‑plate lamp illuminates, as these were previously cited as failures. Examine the rear tyre that previously suffered a cut; any residual damage or uneven wear could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Brake pads were flagged as thin in 2022; measure current pad thickness and listen for any brake shudder or pulsation under firm braking, which would suggest worn discs or glazing. Beyond the specific MOT items, an inspection should cover age‑related items: the 12‑V battery should be load‑tested as a 13‑year‑old unit may be nearing the end of its service life; check the condition of rubber hoses, the coolant reservoir and the condition of the engine oil and brake fluid, which should be replaced on a calendar basis even if mileage is modest. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, which can develop when a vehicle spends long periods stationary. Finally, request the full service history; regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and documented suspension or steering work will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with Nissan’s recommendations and will help you gauge any upcoming major service intervals.