2006 Nissan Pathfinder 2.5L Diesel · OV06 KKP

A twenty-year-old Nissan Pathfinder with this MOT history cannot be considered a straightforward prospect, as the chassis has been flagged with progressive and now serious corrosion defects. The most recent test on 12 August 2022 resulted in a failure driven entirely by structural issues, with both rear cab or chassis sections within 30cm of the cab mounting points recorded as having excessive corrosion seriously affecting strength, one of which was also adjacent to the exhaust. This represents a deterioration from earlier entries where the structure was merely advisory, through to the July 2021 test where nearside rear structure rigidity was already significantly reduced, and culminates in the August 2022 fail. Under the current MOT regime, corrosion of this nature within prescribed load-bearing areas around mounting points can result in the vehicle being refused its test certificate, and any prospective purchase should assume that rectification work, potentially including welding or section replacement, has been completed to allow the vehicle to be driven legally. Recorded mileage of 159,728 miles across roughly twenty years equates to an average of around 7,986 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history covers the period from 2018 through to 2022, with annual tests consistently recorded and no extended gaps off the road, suggesting reasonably continuous use. There is no evidence within the provided records of any rapid mileage escalation or long stationary periods that might raise separate concerns about dormant component failure. The combination of average annual mileage and a recorded timeline showing near-annual testing means the wear-related advisories seen, such as brake disc scoring, exhaust gas leaks, and suspension mounting corrosion, are consistent with the cumulative effects of regular road use on a vehicle now in its third decade. The steering and suspension components flagged across the test history deserve specific attention during a physical inspection and test drive. The July 2019 failure recorded a track rod end ball joint with excessive play, and both rear coil springs were recorded as fractured, a condition that would have produced an audible clonking noise over uneven surfaces and a visibly lowered or uneven rear ride height. The same test also produced a dangerous defect for an offside front brake hose connection leaking on the hydraulic braking system, which would have manifested as a spongy or sinking brake pedal and possibly visible fluid around the front offside caliper area. Further advisories in 2018 noted corrosion at all four suspension component mounting prescribed areas, and in 2021 both front anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers had failed. When test driving, listen for knocks or rattles from the front end over speed bumps, check for uneven steering pull, and examine the rear coils for any sagging that would confirm weakened or replaced springs settling incorrectly. Brake, exhaust, and underbody corrosion are recurring themes that warrant close scrutiny before purchase. Front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored in both 2020 and 2021 tests, and on a road check the buyer should feel for brake pedal judder under moderate application, particularly from higher speeds, and inspect the discs for a visible lip or deep scoring on the disc face. Exhaust gas leaks were recorded in the central or middle section in 2020 and 2021, which typically produces a ticking or hissing noise most audible on cold start; the pipe should be inspected for black soot traces at joint flanges and the rubber mountings checked for perishing. The oil leak advisory from 2020 should prompt a check for residue around the engine block and sump, and the buyer should look for fresh staining beneath the vehicle after it has been parked overnight. Given the seriousness of the 2022 chassis corrosion failure within 30cm of structural mounting points, a pre-purchase inspection by a competent workshop with the vehicle placed on a ramp is essential to confirm the integrity of repairs carried out since that test, as further corrosion in these zones could render the vehicle unroadworthy at the next assessment.