2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · SB12 VLH

The 2012 Nissan Qashqai presents a borderline mechanical picture that has deteriorated over the past two years. The most recent test, conducted on 25 November 2025 at 98,559 miles, failed on a Nearside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint with excessive play and an Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, alongside worn suspension rod pins and bushes on both front corners. A re-test on the same day passed, suggesting the immediate failures were rectified, yet the advisory items persist. The Nearside Front suspension rod pin or bush remains worn but not resulting in excessive movement, the Offside Rear tyre is worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, the Nearside Front wiper blade is defective, and the Nearside Front obligatory mirror is slightly damaged. These advisory items indicate that while the car met the minimum legal standard at its last pass, the overall maintenance trend is worsening rather than stable. The suspension and steering components are showing progressive wear, and the owner appears to be addressing only the most critical failures rather than undertaking comprehensive preventative upkeep. The vehicle has covered approximately 4,186 miles between the November 2024 test at 94,373 miles and the November 2025 test at 98,559 miles, which is consistent with the long-term average of roughly 7,040 miles per year over its fourteen-year life. There are no unusual mileage gaps or sudden spikes in the record, suggesting regular use without prolonged periods of standing. The MOT history is relatively complete with annual tests recorded, and the mileage progression appears genuine and consistent. The data is sparse in the sense that only three test dates are provided, but the pattern is coherent and does not raise concerns about odometer tampering. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering components, which have been a recurring source of advisories and failures. The Nearside Front track rod end ball joint failed with excessive play in November 2025 after only showing slight play twelve months earlier, suggesting accelerated wear that may return. Both front suspension arm ball joints and multiple suspension rod pins and bushes have been flagged across consecutive tests, indicating that the front end is approaching a point where a more comprehensive suspension refresh may be necessary. The Offside Rear tyre wearing unevenly on the edge at the most recent test points to possible tracking or alignment issues that should be verified. Rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in November 2023, and given the mileage accumulated since, a thorough inspection of rear brake pads and discs is advisable. The obligatory Nearside Front mirror remains slightly damaged, a minor but persistent item that has carried over from the previous test. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on front suspension bushings, ball joints, track rod ends, and wheel alignment would be prudent before committing to this vehicle.