2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · R77 BAW

A clean and commendably uneventful MOT record defines this 2018 Nissan Qashqai, with five consecutive passes from 2022 through 2026 and only a single test in 2025 producing any recorded observations at all. That 2025 examination flagged four advisories centred on the tyres and front brake pads, yet the most recent assessment on 25 August 2026 returned a pass with no defects recorded, indicating that the wear items previously noted were either addressed or had not yet reached a failable threshold. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness rather than deterioration, with no advisories appearing in 2022, 2023, or 2024, and no structural, corrosion, suspension, or exhaust issues raised at any point across the five-year testing window. The recorded mileage of 33,000 miles over an eight-year lifespan equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,125 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and type. Qashqais in this class are frequently used as daily family transport, so this usage profile suggests either a secondary household car, predominantly short urban trips, or extended periods of inactivity between drives. Mechanically, lower annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and suspension components but can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from underuse, such as brake discs corroding on the surface due to lack of sustained braking, tyres developing flat spots or sidewall cracking from prolonged standing, and rubber components like drive shafts and bushes stiffening with age rather than wearing through. The absence of any mileage-related advisories across the record, combined with consistent annual test attendance, suggests the vehicle has remained in regular enough use to keep seals and surfaces active. For a prospective buyer, the specific components flagged in the 2025 advisory set deserve targeted physical inspection, even though the most recent test was clean. The front brake pads were reported as wearing thin at that examination, so any test drive should include several firm stops from moderate speed to check for excessive pedal travel, grinding noises, or pulling to one side, all of which could indicate the pads have progressed toward replacement or that the calipers are binding. The nearside and offside front tyres were both flagged as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, which is often symptomatic of incorrect tracking, worn suspension bushes, or worn front strut top mounts; listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven feathering across the tread by running a hand along the shoulder. The nearside rear tyre was noted as slightly damaged with cracking or perishing, so inspect the sidewalls carefully for any visible deterioration, particularly given the low-mileage profile, as age-related rubber degradation can occur even on tyres with ample tread depth. Beyond the advisory-related items, the test drive should include a thorough check of the suspension more broadly, as the Qashqai's front lower arm bushes and rear torsion beam components are known wear points on vehicles in this age bracket. Listen for any rattling or knocking from the rear axle over undulating roads, and check for uneven rear tyre wear which could indicate a failing beam bushing. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive, with no sponginess suggesting air ingress or master cylinder issues. Given the low annual mileage, verify that the cooling system and air conditioning have been exercised regularly, as prolonged disuse can lead to seized compressor clutches or coolant degradation. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or sump gasket, and check that all fluid levels are at maximum and free from discolouration. A final check of the underbody for any surface corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, exhaust mounting points, and suspension subframe, would round off a thorough inspection of a vehicle whose MOT record suggests sound structural integrity but whose usage profile warrants closer attention to age-related component condition.