2016 Infiniti Q50 2.1L Diesel · RF16 KTK

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 25 May 2026 at 118,425 miles. This pass followed a failure only eleven days earlier where the tester flagged excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joints and slight play on the offside equivalent. While the car is legally roadworthy today, the maintenance trend appears reactive rather than proactive. Owners addressed major suspension defects only when forced by test failure, leaving the vehicle vulnerable to component degradation between inspections. The quick turnaround suggests repairs were completed specifically to clear the failure rather than as part of a scheduled maintenance regime. Mileage accumulation has accelerated significantly over the last two years. Between May 2024 and May 2025, the odometer increased by approximately 20,000 miles, rising to roughly 25,000 miles in the subsequent year. High annual distance places extra stress on consumables and suspension components, explaining the frequency of recent failures. Such usage patterns often outpace routine servicing intervals, leading to the cluster of defects recorded during the 2025 and 2026 testing cycles. The jump from 73,273 miles in 2024 to the current reading indicates the car has covered more ground recently than in its earlier life. A pre-purchase inspection should prioritize the front suspension geometry and steering linkage integrity. Recurrent tyre wear on the edge recorded in 2025 suggests potential alignment issues that may have contributed to the recent ball joint failures. Check the rear anti-roll bar linkages again, as slight play was noted in 2025 and these components often degrade alongside front suspension work. Verify brake pad thickness too, since the 2025 record showed pads wearing thin. These recurring mechanical faults indicate a vehicle subjected to hard use without timely intervention. Pay close attention to any knocking sounds over bumps, as worn bushes often accompany ball joint replacement.