2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · RE62 HKB

The most recent MOT on 2026‑06‑18 recorded a pass at 95,344 miles with no defects, indicating the vehicle is currently roadworthy. Two days earlier the test had failed, highlighting a cluster of issues: a split near‑side front CV boot, excessively worn front suspension arm ball joints, sub‑1.6 mm tyre tread on both front tyres and a non‑function­ing rear fog lamp. The rapid re‑pass suggests those items were remedied promptly, and the overall maintenance trend is improving rather than deteriorating. Mileage accumulation has been steady over the car’s 14‑year life, averaging roughly 6,800 miles per year. The MOT entries show a regular annual pattern, with the gap between the 2025‑06‑26 test (90,815 miles) and the 2024‑06‑25 test (81,732 miles) representing about 9,083 miles over a 12‑month period. No extended gaps in testing are evident, and the mileage progression aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Recurring faults centre on the front suspension and steering assembly. The ball‑joint dust covers have been flagged as severely deteriorated on multiple occasions (2023, 2022) and the lower suspension arm joints showed excessive wear in the recent failure. The near‑side front drive shaft CV boot split also points to potential lubricant loss and future joint failure. Tyre condition has been a persistent concern, with tread depths below the legal limit recorded in 2026 and earlier edge‑wear advisories in 2023 and 2025. Brake‑related wear appears in the history: rear pads were thin in 2019, front discs showed pitting in 2018, and the 2024 test noted a loose exhaust heat shield and a partially non‑function­ing upper stop lamp. An electronic stability‑control warning was logged in 2022 but has not reappeared. A prospective buyer should inspect the front suspension ball joints and their dust covers for signs of wear or oil leakage, verify that the CV boot is intact and not cracked, and check tyre tread depths against the 1.6 mm legal minimum. The rear fog lamp and stop lamp circuits should be tested, and the brake pads and discs examined for uneven wear or pitting. A visual check of the exhaust heat shield and a scan for stability‑control fault codes will also be prudent. Addressing these areas before purchase will mitigate the most likely future repairs.