2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · RF14 BCV

A clear mechanical risk defines this Qashqai's recent history, centred on the front and rear brake pad wear that culminated in a dangerous near-side rear brake pad failure at the October 2023 retest. The nearside rear pad was recorded as less than 1.5 mm thick at that point, while the fronts were already showing thin wear as an advisory. The immediate retest the following day cleared the vehicle with no advisories issued, suggesting the brakes were fully addressed at the time. Since then, the 2024 and 2025 tests have returned clean passes with no recorded defects, indicating the braking system and other wear items have held up well over the intervening two years. The trend across the recorded MOT history is therefore one of a single, isolated braking incident followed by stable roadworthiness, though the brake components remain the principal mechanical story of the car. Annual mileage on this twelve-year-old Qashqai averages roughly 5,326 miles, which is notably low for the age and sector. Testing has occurred consistently on an annual basis with no multi-year gaps, so the vehicle has not been laid up for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of dry-jointed brake calipers, seized handbrake mechanisms, or degraded fuel and braking systems from standing. That said, low-mileage urban use tends to promote uneven pad and disc wear, particularly on the rear axle if the handbrake is relied upon disproportionately. The recorded mileage trajectory has been steady rather than showing any sudden jumps, meaning no single component has been subjected to an unusually harsh accumulation of wear. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is to confirm that the brake work carried out after the 2023 failure was thorough. The offside rear tyre flagged for slight damage and perishing in the same test cycle should have been replaced, and it is worth checking the sidewall condition of all four tyres for age-related cracking given the vehicle's twelve-year build date. On a test drive, listen for any binding or dragging sensation from the rear brakes when releasing the accelerator, as caliper slides that were neglected at the point of pad replacement can cause uneven rear pad wear to recur. A firm, consistent pedal feel without sponginess or travel should be confirmed, and the vehicle should pull up straight under progressive braking without judder through the steering wheel, which would indicate warped front discs. The remainder of the Qashqai's MOT record carries no advisories relating to suspension components, corrosion, steering, or exhaust integrity, which is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age where subframe and coil spring corrosion commonly begin to surface. Nonetheless, a physical inspection underneath the vehicle for any emerging surface rust on suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, and brake pipe runs along the underbody is advisable. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbones and drop links, as these are known wear items on the Qashqai platform. Confirm that the steering remains centred with no pulling to either side, and that the engine starts promptly without excessive smoke, given that low annual mileage can mask issues such as oil seals drying and minor coolant seepage from age rather than use.