2016 Nissan Navara 2.3L Diesel · OO54 LJC

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2026 resulted in a Pass, although the same date also carries a Fail entry with two repairable items, namely a non-functioning nearside front dipped headlamp and an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. Both are minor electrical defects that were presumably rectified on the same day prior to the pass being issued. Underlying advisories from that test noted an oil leak from the nearside front area, not considered excessive, and a nearside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge. Looking back through the recent history, the overall trend is one of gradual accumulation of advisories rather than outright deterioration, with a clean record in 2021 and 2022 followed by progressively more wear-related notes from 2023 onwards. The 2024 test did include a Major failure for a fractured offside front coil spring, which has clearly been addressed, and the 2025 and 2026 tests have returned to advisory-only status. This pattern suggests the vehicle has been conscientiously maintained in terms of safety-critical defects, but consumable wear is now advancing as the high mileage takes its toll. With 144,087 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this Navara has been driven at an annual rate of around 14,400 miles, which is notably above the typical average and places it firmly in the high-mileage category for a vehicle of this age. There are no large gaps in the MOT record indicating extended periods off the road, and the steady accumulation of mileage between tests points to regular, sustained use, most likely involving a mix of road and light commercial or utility work given the Navara's pickup format. Mechanically, this usage profile means greater wear on items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, coil springs, clutch and drivetrain components, brake discs and pads, and engine ancillary parts. The fact that advisories are clustering around braking and suspension components is entirely consistent with a working vehicle at this mileage and is not in itself a red flag, though it does indicate that those systems are approaching the point at which proactive replacement will be required. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories on front brake disc condition and front brake pad wear, first noted in 2023 and repeated in 2024 and 2025, warrant particular attention. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsing through the brake pedal, and check visually for lipping on the front disc edges and pad material thickness through the wheel. The nearside front tyre repeatedly flagged as worn on the edge suggests a possible tracking or suspension geometry issue, so a four-wheel alignment check and inspection of front suspension bushes, wishbone bearings, and strut top mounts would be prudent. The oil leak noted on the nearside front is described as not excessive but has now appeared in consecutive tests, indicating it is persistent rather than resolving; a competent inspection should identify whether this is from a cam cover gasket, sump, or front crankshaft seal, and the buyer should budget for rectification before it worsens. Beyond the recorded advisories, the high-mileage diesel drivetrain of this Navara demands close scrutiny. On test drive, allow the engine to warm fully and listen for any timing chain rattle, turbo whistle under load, or excessive smoke from the exhaust, particularly on overrun, and check the automatic or manual transmission for smooth changes, any clutch slip, or excessive vibration through the propshaft which would suggest worn universal joints or centre bearings. Inspect the underside thoroughly for corrosion, paying particular attention to chassis rails, outriggers, suspension mounting points, and the fuel tank area, as commercial use and winter road salt exposure can accelerate structural corrosion. Verify the timing belt or chain replacement interval according to Nissan service schedule, confirm the auxiliary belt and tensioner condition, and check the age and condition of all four tyres for sidewall perishing as well as tread depth, as ten-year-old rubber is often more compromised by age than by wear. Finally, ensure the service book is fully stamped, request evidence of recent fluid changes including engine oil, gearbox, transfer box and differential oils, and have the 12V battery load-tested, as a ten-year-old high-mileage vehicle on original ancillaries will be approaching the point at which several major service items will need attention regardless of MOT status.