2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · P77 JAP

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 September 2025 resulted in a pass, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of test. The overall trajectory across the documented history is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, with the vehicle achieving pass outcomes at every test since 2019 and only one failure recorded in September 2023, which was attributable to a minor washer fluid insufficiency rather than any structural or safety-critical component. However, the most recent advisory concerning slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint is a notable mechanical point that warrants attention, as this item is a key element of the front steering and suspension geometry. A ball joint with play can progressively worsen, leading to imprecise steering, uneven front tyre wear, and in advanced cases, a failed MOT. The earlier advisories relating to brake disc corrosion and inner face pitting also suggest a pattern of wear on the braking system that is consistent with the mileage accrued. The recorded mileage of 98,959 against a 2016 registration equates to an annualised usage of approximately 9,900 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no anomalous gaps in the recorded mileage progression, and the steady accumulation implies consistent rather than sporadic use, which is generally favourable for the preservation of mechanical components, fluids, and seals. That said, a Qashqai covering close to one hundred thousand miles will by now have experienced substantial wear on its consumables, including brake pads, discs, tyres, the clutch if fitted with a manual transmission, and various suspension items such as bushes, anti-roll bar links, and shock absorbers. The cumulative effects of higher mileage drivetrain stress should be assumed even where individual service items may have been renewed during routine maintenance. The track rod end advisory from September 2025 is the most pressing inspection point for a prospective purchaser. This component should be physically checked for any discernible vertical or horizontal movement by an inspector lifting the wheel or by a technician during a steering geometry assessment. Symptoms to listen or feel for on a test drive include vague or wandering steering at speed, knocking or clunking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, uneven tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, and a pulling tendency to one side under braking or acceleration. A replacement track rod end is a relatively modest cost, but it should be addressed promptly and accompanied by a four-wheel alignment check to prevent accelerated tyre wear. Beyond the documented items, a ten-year-old Qashqai warrants several age- and mileage-related inspections that fall outside the scope of an MOT. The timing chain or belt service interval should be verified against the manufacturer's schedule, and the condition of the auxiliary drive belt, coolant, and brake fluid should be confirmed as part of the service history, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time irrespective of mileage. Tyres should be examined for perishing or cracking of the sidewalls, which is common on vehicles of this age even where tread depth remains adequate, and the age code on the sidewall should be reviewed. The 12-volt battery is also a likely candidate for replacement given the vehicle's age, and standing corrosion on the brake discs combined with potential caliper binding should be tested by confirming the wheels rotate freely when released and that the vehicle does not pull to one side on the first application of the brakes. Finally, the earlier headlamp lens defects remain a minor advisories point; should they have deteriorated, replacement lens units or restoration may be required to ensure adequate forward illumination.