2016 Nissan Pulsar 1.5L Diesel · R7 JSW

The Nissan Pulsar’s most recent MOT, conducted on 14 July 2025 at 69,771 miles, passed with no defects—a clean result that suggests the vehicle’s core mechanical systems are currently stable. However, the history reveals a critical failure just ten months earlier, on 1 July 2024, where a fractured offside front coil spring and dangerously thin front brake pads caused the test to fail. This indicates that while the car may now be compliant, the previous owner either addressed these issues promptly or overlooked them entirely. The absence of further defects in the two preceding passes (July 2023 and 2022) suggests that if repairs were made, they were effective. Yet the coil spring failure—particularly on a front suspension component—warrants closer scrutiny, as coil springs are high-stress parts prone to fatigue over time. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,977 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the data shows a notable gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (27,729 to 44,958 miles, a span of 12 months with no recorded MOT). This could imply either infrequent testing or a period of lower mileage, possibly due to the car being stored or used sparingly. The jump from 44,958 to 54,968 miles in the following year (2023–2024) suggests a return to regular use, yet the failure in July 2024—just six months later—hints at deferred maintenance rather than sudden wear. The most recent 14,803-mile interval (July 2024 to July 2025) is the shortest in the record, reinforcing the idea that the car has been driven consistently since the repairs were presumably carried out. For a buyer, the primary concern lies in the front suspension and braking systems. The fractured coil spring in 2024 demands an immediate check of both front coil springs, anti-roll bars, and associated mountings for signs of corrosion, fatigue, or uneven wear. Binding or uneven brake operation should be tested under light acceleration, as the thin brake pads may have been replaced, but caliper binding or uneven disc wear could persist. Structural integrity is less of a red flag here, but a thorough inspection of the subframe and wheel arches for rust or distortion is prudent, given the age of the vehicle. Tyre condition and tread depth should also be verified, as the MOT record offers no insight into their current state. If the suspension and brakes show no further issues, this Pulsar may yet be a sound purchase—but only if the repairs were thorough and no further hidden wear has developed.