2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SA12 MWJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive servicing. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 97,370 miles passed, it revealed several new advisories related to steering and drivetrain components. The presence of play in the nearside front drop link and a severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot suggests that the front suspension and drivetrain are beginning to age prematurely. This follows a history where components are only addressed once they reach failure thresholds or show significant wear. At 97,370 miles over 14 years, the Qashqai averages approximately 7,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical low-to-moderate usage. The mileage data shows consistent movement between tests, with 5,371 miles covered between June 2023 and June 2024, and another 4,669 miles between June 2024 and 2025. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle is used regularly, though the low annual mileage explains why certain rubber components and metal surfaces show despite age. A buyer must scrutinise the front suspension and steering system, as the history shows recurring issues with track rod ends and drop links. The tester flagged excessive play in the nearside track rod end in 2024, which persisted as slight play in the 2025 advisory, indicating the part may not have fully replaced. The deteriorated CV boot on the nearside front drive shaft is a critical concern; if the grease escapes entirely, the outer joint will fail rapidly, leading to an expensive mechanical repair. The braking system also requires close attention. The 2023 failure highlighted pitted discs and thin pads across all axles, followed by a failure in June 2024 for rear pads reaching the wear indicator. While these appear to be rectified, the 2025 record notes a non-excessive oil leak. A physical inspection is necessary to determine if this leak originates from the engine seal or a brake fluid line, which could compromise braking performance over time if left unaddressed.