2011 Nissan Qashqai 2.0L Diesel · PF61 FGG

A pattern of front suspension wear, steering component degradation, and recurring tyre condition concerns dominates this Qashqai's MOT history, with the most recent test on 10 October 2024 returning a pass alongside advisories for both front tyres wearing close to the legal limit and on their edges. The front-end mechanical picture is the standout concern across the record. The vehicle failed its October 2023 test with a dangerous offside rear tyre defect caused by structural separation, alongside major defects for excessive play in the nearside front track rod end, a failed nearside front position lamp, a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, and a worn nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. A near-identical cluster of front suspension and steering failures had already appeared at the October 2022 test, where both track rod ends and the nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush were flagged with major defects, and the advisory for an offside rear tyre showing damage and perishing was recorded on the same date. The subsequent October 2023 pass still carried advisories for corroded nearside and offside front coil springs and a missing propshaft, indicating that the structural degradation affecting the front axle was recognised but not resolved at that stage. Across four tests in the recorded history, the vehicle has failed three times, with two of those failures being structurally significant rather than trivial. The recorded mileage of 167,548 miles over roughly fifteen years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 11,170 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests present from 2020 through 2024, suggesting the car has been in consistent use rather than laid up for long periods. The mileage context here points to moderate-to-heavy ongoing wear on consumables and chassis components, which is consistent with the recurring advisories for tyres, suspension bushes, coil springs, and steering joints. A buyer should not interpret the absence of long lay-ups as reassurance regarding mechanical condition, since the test results themselves reveal a front-end that has been degrading consistently across consecutive tests. The failed track rod end ball joints, lower suspension arm ball joint, and anti-roll bar linkage ball joint recorded at the 2022 and 2023 tests are the priority items for any prospective buyer. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed humps, and pothole strikes, which would suggest the replacement ball joints and bushes have already worn or were not renewed to a high standard. Feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, particularly over mid-corner bumps, and check for uneven or feathered wear across both front tyres, as asymmetric wear patterns would indicate ongoing geometry misalignment. Inspect the front coil springs visually for surface corrosion, scaling, or any signs of cracking, as the 2023 advisories confirm corrosion was already present and such deterioration typically progresses. Confirm the propshaft situation directly with the seller, since the 2023 advisory noted one as missing while the 2020 test recorded a worn but not excessive propshaft joint, and any driveline vibration or shudder under acceleration would warrant immediate inspection. Examine all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking, tread depth, and uneven wear, given the recurring advisories for edge wear on both fronts and structural damage to the offside rear. Finally, verify that all position lamps and side repeaters are functioning, as lighting failures have been recorded at three separate tests, and check the underside and subframe mounting areas for any advanced corrosion given the vehicle's age and mileage.