2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · PL18 WMF

The 2018 Nissan Qashqai passed its most recent MOT on 30 September 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, representing a clean return to form after the previous test. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual assessments since 2021, with only minor advisories and one minor issue noted, indicating a broadly stable and well-maintained pattern. The recurrence of advisories relating to suspension components and rear shock absorbers in the 2023 and 2024 tests warrants close attention, as these can reflect progressive wear typical of a vehicle now in its eighth year. While the absence of defects at the latest test is reassuring, the historical advisories provide useful pointers for prioritising pre-purchase inspection focus areas. With 51,194 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the Qashqai is achieving around 6,400 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and demographic. This mileage profile suggests regular but moderate usage, sufficient to keep mechanical components exercised without imposing excessive wear on the drivetrain, clutch, or braking system. There are no records indicating extended periods off the road between tests, and the consistent annual testing pattern reinforces that the vehicle has remained in active service throughout its life, which is generally favourable for preventing standing-related degradation. The advisory issued at the 2024 test regarding a nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement is particularly significant for a prospective buyer. While the wear was within tolerance at the time of test, suspension bushes of this type commonly deteriorate further between MOTs, and a failure under load or during a subsequent test is plausible. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres. Also inspect the component visually for perishing, cracking, or splitting of the rubber, and check for uneven tyre wear on the nearside front, which can indicate progressed bush deterioration. Given the labour cost of suspension arm replacement on this platform, negotiation of a price reduction or pre-purchase rectification would be prudent. The rear shock absorber light misting of oil noted in 2023, combined with the tyre cracking and perishing advisories on the rear axle, suggests the vehicle may have been subjected to standing periods or age-related rubber degradation. Although a clean MOT was issued subsequently, dampers exhibiting oil misting have a reduced service life, and replacement may be imminent. On test, listen for any knocking from the rear under compression and verify the tyres are within the correct age specification, checking the sidewalls for cracking, bulging, or perished tread grooves regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the recorded advisories, an eight-year-old vehicle with this mileage warrants inspection of the 12V battery health, brake disc corrosion and caliper sliding pin operation, coolant and brake fluid age-related degradation, and verification of a complete service history with timely fluid replacement, particularly noting the 2021 advisory of worn front brake pads which should have been replaced since.