2008 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · PE58 OET

A persistent theme of corrosion and progressive wear in the suspension system runs through the MOT history, with rear control‑arm and coil‑spring corrosion flagged every year since 2022 and front ball‑joint and drag‑link play noted from 2024 onward. The latest test on 29 November 2025 recorded a pass for the overall vehicle but issued a failure for the off‑side front headlamp on dipped beam, alongside the standing advisories on rear arm corrosion, rear spring corrosion and front bush wear, confirming that while the car clears the legal minimum, the underlying suspension condition is deteriorating. At 105,732 mi the Qashqai averages roughly 5,900 mi per annum, well below the typical usage for an 18‑year‑old model. The low annual mileage suggests periods of limited running, which can exacerbate corrosion on exposed chassis components – a factor reflected in the repeated rear‑arm and spring advisories. The MOT record shows uninterrupted annual testing from 2020, so there are no significant gaps that would hide undisclosed defects, but the modest mileage does not guarantee low wear on parts that are age‑related, such as bushings and CV boots. When inspecting the vehicle, pay particular attention to the rear suspension arms and coil springs for signs of rust‑induced weakness – look for creaking or flex under load, uneven tyre wear, and any visible corrosion at mounting points. Front suspension should be examined for loosened ball joints and drag‑link ends; a noticeable clunk when traversing bumps or a steering wheel that feels vague may indicate the slight play recorded in 2024 has progressed to the excessive play noted in the 2023 failure. The off‑side front inner CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated in 2022 and again in 2023, so listen for whirring or clicking noises during acceleration and check for grease leakage around the joint. The brake discs were consistently listed as worn but not yet beyond legal limits, yet the recurring advisory suggests they may be approaching the end of their service life; monitor for pulsation or reduced braking efficiency. Verify that the off‑side front headlamp illuminates correctly and that the supplementary restraint system warning lamp is extinguished after any reset, as a lingering SRS fault was recorded in 2023. Finally, inspect the off‑side front tyre for edge wear and ensure tyre pressures are correct, as the 2022 advisory indicated the tyre was close to the legal limit. A thorough mechanical and electrical check by a qualified technician before purchase will confirm whether the corrosion‑prone suspension components and the noted electrical faults have been remedied or require imminent attention.