2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · OY65 DHM

A clear pattern of cosmetic and minor compliance advisories emerges across the MOT history of this 2015 Nissan Qashqai, with no structural or mechanical defects that would suggest systemic neglect. The most recent test on 13 August 2026 was ultimately a pass, but it followed a failure on the same date due solely to a non-conforming front registration plate, alongside advisories for a nearside rear tyre showing perishing and a nearside front headlamp with product residue on the lens that was not reducing light output. The registration plate issue had actually been flagged as deteriorated lamination back in August 2025, indicating the owner did not rectify it before it escalated to a major defect category, but this is purely an administrative or cosmetic matter rather than a mechanical concern. Across the four recorded tests, the only genuine mechanical advisory of any substance was recorded on 14 August 2024, when the offside front track rod end ball joint dust cover was deemed excessively damaged, and it was re-presented as a pass the following day once rectified. With 36,472 miles recorded over an eleven-year life, this Qashqai has accumulated only around 3,316 miles annually, which is significantly below the average for a vehicle of its age and class. The MOT records are spaced at roughly twelve-month intervals with no extended gaps, suggesting the car has remained in regular, albeit light, use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. While lower mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components, it can sometimes mask issues associated with short journeys, such as under-cured brake discs, under-utilised battery capacity, or moisture accumulation in fluids and exhaust systems. The fact that the braking system, suspension bushes, coil springs, exhaust, and underbody components have produced no advisories across the entire history is a positive indicator that the consumable wear associated with higher mileage simply has not accumulated yet. For a prospective buyer, the primary physical checks should centre on the items previously flagged. Inspect the nearside rear tyre sidewall closely for any signs of cracking or perishing, as this has been noted in consecutive years, and check the tread depth across all four tyres given that the offside front also showed cuts and perishing back in 2024. Examine the offside front track rod end by turning the steering lock to lock with the engine running, listening for any knocking, clunking, or play that might indicate the joint itself has worn since the dust cover was replaced, as a perished boot allows grit ingress and accelerates internal wear. The nearside front headlamp should be inspected at night or in a dark garage to confirm the product residue does not reduce beam pattern or intensity, and both headlamp lenses generally warrant scrutiny for UV haze given the vehicle's age. On a test drive, pay particular attention to steering precision and any pulling to one side, which would suggest worn front suspension or geometry issues linked to the track rod repair. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which could point to worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or strut top mounts that have not yet surfaced as advisories. Apply the brakes firmly from speed to check for any judder or vibration through the pedal, which on a low-mileage car can indicate disc corrosion from infrequent use rather than pad wear. Finally, verify that the registration plate is correctly displayed and conforms to the specified character format, as this has now been formally recorded as a major defect and would need to be resolved before the next test to avoid an immediate failure.