2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · PJ59 RYN

Persistent offside front steering and suspension wear, combined with emerging structural corrosion, an oil leak, and exhaust emissions advisories, defines this vehicle's mechanical profile. The vehicle successfully passed an MOT on 6 June 2026, but only after failing a test on the same day for excessive play in an offside track rod end ball joint and a defective rear position lamp lens. This outcome marks a shift from clean passes in 2024 and 2025 back toward an advisory-heavy status reminiscent of 2022, when it similarly failed for worn anti-roll bar linkages and track rod components. Notably, play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint has reappeared as an advisory after first being flagged in 2021, illustrating a pattern of gradual chassis deterioration that requires ongoing monitoring. Accumulating 149,974 miles over a sixteen-year lifespan equates to a steady average of approximately 9,370 miles per year, reflecting standard UK usage patterns without periods of prolonged inactivity. While regular use prevents issues associated with vehicle stagnation, reaching the 150,000-mile threshold inherently brings wear to major drivetrain and chassis components. At this stage of vehicle life, rubber suspension bushes, ball joints, damper seals, and engine gaskets reach the end of their service lifecycle, which correlates directly with the recent emergence of fluid leaks and suspension play. When evaluating this vehicle on a test drive, prospective buyers should focus intently on the steering feel and front suspension behavior. Worn track rod ends and play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint frequently cause precision loss in steering response, subtle vehicle pulling, or dull metallic knocking noises over uneven road surfaces and speed humps. Additionally, the advisory for rear subframe corrosion demands a close physical inspection from beneath the vehicle on a lift. Although recorded as not yet seriously weakened, surface rust on structural pressings can accelerate quickly if exposed to road salt, making it critical to check that the subframe mounting points remain structurally sound and free from deep flaking rust. The engine bay and exhaust system require equal scrutiny during inspection. The reported non-excessive oil leak warrants checking for active fluid pooling beneath the sump, valve cover gasket, or timing cover, as well as verifying correct oil levels on the dipstick. Furthermore, the advisory for excessive exhaust smoke or vapour necessitates observing the tailpipe during a cold start and under hard acceleration. Dense blue or grey smoke can point to oil passing into the combustion chambers via worn valve stem seals or piston rings, whereas excess white vapour may indicate coolant consumption. Identifying these symptoms early will give a buyer a realistic picture of near-future mechanical expenditure.