2005 Nissan Elgrand 2.5L Petrol · RL55 OFR

The most recent MOT on 11 June 2026 was passed, with advisories noting rear brake disc wear and some corrosion on suspension components. Over the past six years the vehicle has moved from a failure in February 2020 (lamp failures and a faulty anti‑roll bar dust cover) to a series of passes with only advisory items, suggesting that the overall maintenance trend is stabilising and showing modest improvement as the more serious faults have been addressed. At 143,189 miles the car has averaged roughly 6,800 miles per year since its 2005 registration, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme abuse, but it also implies that consumables such as brakes, suspension bushings and tyres will be well into the latter stages of their service lives and should be inspected closely for wear beyond the recorded advisories. The recurring brake observations merit particular attention. The rear disc is described as worn, pitted or scored, and the front brake pads were flagged as thin and the front service brake as binding in early 2024. A buyer should examine the rear rotors for deep scoring, uneven wear or cracking, and verify that the pads have sufficient thickness on both axles. During a test drive listen for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially on the front left side, and watch for a pulling sensation that could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. It is advisable to have the brake fluid tested for moisture content and consider a complete flush if the fluid is older than two years, as water ingress can accelerate corrosion of the discs and reduce braking efficiency. Beyond the braking system, the anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust covers on both front sides are severely deteriorated, and the off‑side inner drag‑link end shows slight play. These points can allow dirt ingress, leading to premature joint wear and noisy steering. Inspect the ball‑joint boots for cracks, check for any clunking or looseness when the steering wheel is turned at low speed, and verify that the suspension bushes are not excessively soft or cracked, especially given the advisory about corrosion. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for age‑related cracking, as the car’s age means the rubber may be perishing even if tread depth appears adequate. Confirm that the 12‑volt battery is holding charge and that the electrolyte is at proper level, and review the service book for evidence of regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt (or chain) maintenance, as time‑based degradation can be as critical as mileage in a vehicle of this vintage.