2017 Nissan NV400 3.0L Diesel · OU67 WDF

The 2017 Nissan NV400 most recently passed its MOT on 23 October 2025, with a single advisory concerning an offside rear inner tyre close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but warrants careful attention, as the vehicle has accumulated a recurring pattern of minor electrical and wiper-related advisories alongside intermittent failures. The October 2024 failure involved multiple major defects including inoperative windscreen washers, a malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, a failed side repeater, and a damaged rear indicator lens, while the October 2023 failure was more serious from a road safety perspective, with rear brake pads worn to a dangerous thickness, contaminated brake disc, and insecure body mounting fixings. The earlier 2022 failure centred on suspension component wear, specifically an excessively worn nearside rear shock absorber bush, with its offside counterpart noted as advisory. Overall, the pattern suggests a vehicle that has received adequate remedial attention between tests but continues to develop wear-related and electrical issues typical of a working commercial vehicle of this age. The recorded mileage of 38,333 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual average of around 4,259 miles, which is notably low for a commercial van and suggests either extended periods of inactivity or genuinely light operational use. Such low annual mileage can be beneficial for major drivetrain components including the engine, transmission, and clutch, as wear from accumulated distance is reduced. However, low mileage vehicles frequently suffer from deterioration caused by standing rather than use, particularly affecting the braking system through corrosion of discs and seized caliper pistons, degradation of rubber components such as suspension bushes and drive belts, and depletion of battery capacity. Any prospective buyer should bear in mind that calendar-based servicing intervals for brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil remain relevant regardless of distance covered, as fluid chemistry breaks down over time. Given the recurring brake-related failures on the rear axle, particular attention should be directed to the braking system during a physical inspection and test drive. The 2023 dangerous failure for rear brake pads below 1.5mm indicates that the rear braking components have been worked hard in service, and any inspection should include measurement of remaining pad material, examination of the rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, and a check that the calipers are sliding freely without binding. On a test drive, listen for any rear brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal, observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. The suspension advisory from 2022 concerning worn shock absorber bushes should also prompt a check of the rear suspension for any knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, visible cracking or splitting of bush material, and excessive vertical movement when cornering. The recurring washer fluid, wiper blade, and lighting defects indicate the vehicle has experienced electrical gremlins or simple maintenance neglect, and a buyer should personally verify that all washers, wipers, and exterior lighting operate as intended. Beyond the documented history, the age and low mileage profile make several additional checks essential. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by age rather than wear, particularly as the most recent advisory suggests edge wear may be a recurring issue potentially linked to alignment or suspension geometry. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries in low-use vehicles frequently fail prematurely through chronic undercharging. Brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should be assessed for colour, smell, and contamination to confirm they have been serviced on a time basis, and a check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox sump areas is advisable. Finally, the body mounting fixings previously flagged as insecure should be re-examined to ensure they have been properly retorqued, and the underside of the van should be inspected for corrosion, exhaust integrity, and any signs of fluid leaks that may not be evident from the MOT records alone.