2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · RO68 HSD

The vehicle's most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 23 October 2025, resulted in a pass, indicating that the Nissan Qashqai satisfied the statutory roadworthiness requirements at the point of inspection. However, this pass was accompanied by four advisories and two minor defects, which collectively represent the first recorded issues across an otherwise clean five-year testing history. Previously, the vehicle had passed without any advisories or defects recorded at each test from 2021 through 2024, suggesting a well-maintained history during its earlier life. The cluster of advisories and minor defects emerging in the latest test indicates a shift in the maintenance trend, pointing towards wear items now requiring attention rather than any sudden mechanical deterioration. With a recorded mileage of 77,951 miles over an eight-year period, the vehicle has averaged around 9,744 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a family crossover of this age and consistent with general commuter or mixed-use patterns. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in mileage between consecutive MOT tests, with the recorded readings showing steady, progressive accumulation. This level of usage implies moderate wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch, engine, gearbox, and braking system, but without the elevated stress associated with high-mileage examples. The relatively continuous usage also reduces the likelihood of issues arising from long periods of standing, such as severe brake disc corrosion or seized components. Several advisories from the 2025 test warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The nearside front road wheel being slightly distorted suggests possible kerb impact damage, which can affect tyre seating and lead to vibration at speed, and should prompt a visual check of the wheel rim for cracks or buckling alongside a road test to detect any steering wobble. The two minor defects concerning severely deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both front sides indicate that the rubber protective boots have perished, exposing the ball joints to dirt and moisture ingress; while not yet causing excessive play, this will lead to accelerated joint wear, manifesting as clunking noises over bumps or during sharp steering inputs. The advisory regarding worn front suspension arm pin or bush suggests the rubber bush is beginning to lose compliance, which can produce vague steering response and uneven tyre wear, typically visible as feathered inner or outer edges. The front brake pads noted as wearing thin should be measured for remaining material, as they may soon require replacement, and any brake shudder or reduced stopping response during a test drive would confirm the need for immediate attention alongside a check of brake disc condition and surface corrosion. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age- and mileage-appropriate checks are advisable for a vehicle of this profile. The eight-year-old Qashqai should be inspected for tyre sidewall cracking or perishing caused by UV exposure, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, particularly as units beyond five years commonly fail without warning, and the air conditioning system, cabin filter, and auxiliary drive belt should be examined for service intervals. Given the typical annual mileage, the timing belt or chain, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be reviewed against the manufacturer's schedule, as these are time-sensitive rather than purely mileage-dependent services. A thorough road test on varied surfaces will help confirm the absence of suspension knocks, transmission hesitation, or drivetrain vibrations, while a service history review will verify that all required maintenance has been carried out to specification.