2021 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · RO05 BOL

Brake wear has emerged as the clear defining theme in this Qashqai's MOT history, with the most recent test on 3 March 2026 passing but flagging a comprehensive set of brake-related advisories across both axles. All four brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored without being seriously weakened, and all four brake pads were recorded as wearing thin. This is the first MOT in which any braking component has been flagged, so there is no long-term pattern of premature wear to be concerned about, but the simultaneity of the advisories on both axles suggests the braking system is approaching a coordinated renewal point rather than an isolated component failure. The previous three tests passed with no defects or only a single minor tyre cut advisory, indicating that until now the vehicle has presented a clean bill of roadworthiness and the brake wear has accumulated gradually rather than indicating an underlying hydraulic or caliper defect. Against an age of approximately five years, the recorded mileage of 55,953 miles equates to around 11,191 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a Qashqai of this vintage and points to steady, consistent use rather than any periods of extended standing or unusually hard motoring. The MOT testing record itself is also broadly continuous, with annual tests from November 2023 through to March 2026 and no significant gaps that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or off the road for any meaningful period. This consistency is reassuring mechanically, as regular use tends to keep seals, brakes, and suspension components working as intended rather than suffering the flat-spotting, corrosion, and fluid degradation that can affect vehicles used only intermittently. The mileage progression also suggests that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and the timing chain service are likely to be due or imminent on a mileage basis rather than purely an age basis. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough inspection and likely replacement of the braking system across both axles. The advisories indicate that the front discs are showing pitting and scoring, which on test typically manifests as a slight vibration or pulsing through the brake pedal under firm deceleration, while worn pads may produce a higher-pitched squeal or a reduced initial bite. Check the discs for a visible lip on the outer edge and ask whether they can be skimmed or must be replaced, and budget for a full axle set of discs and pads on both front and rear. The rear tyre cracking advisory is consistent with the tyres being five years old, so inspect the sidewalls carefully for any ozone cracking or brittleness regardless of remaining tread depth, and consider a full set replacement for age-related safety. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the Qashqai's lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links are known wear items that would not yet have been captured by the MOT schedule, and pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking which could indicate a binding caliper given the even wear pattern reported. Finally, although the recorded MOT history is reassuringly sparse, a few additional checks are worthwhile given the mileage and brake wear pattern. Verify that the brake fluid has been changed within the recommended interval, as this is rarely flagged at MOT but directly affects pedal feel and corrosion within the calipers and ABS modulator. Inspect the underside for any oil residue around the engine sump and the rear differential area, as the 1.3 DIG-T engine used in this generation can show minor seepage from the sump gasket at this mileage. Confirm the service history shows recent replacement of the cabin and pollen filters, and check that the air conditioning blows cold, as the Qashqai's HVAC system is prone to refrigerant loss over time. With a clean MOT pass record, typical mileage, and only brake wear advisories to address, this presents as a fundamentally sound vehicle that simply requires a planned mechanical refresh of its consumables before it returns to a fully advisory-free state.