2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · SB12 VLR

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a worsening trend in mechanical neglect despite low mileage. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 66,832 miles, this success followed just six days after a significant failure involving multiple critical defects. The history indicates a pattern where the owner only addresses the minimum repairs required to pass the MOT, rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance on the vehicle's steering and suspension systems. At 14 years old with 66,832 miles, this Qashqai has covered significantly less distance than the average vehicle, averaging roughly a few thousand miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and fluid lines through time rather than wear. Between July 2023 at 57,183 miles and August 2024 at 61,781 miles, the car covered only 4,600 miles, yet the condition of the components deteriorated rapidly, suggesting that parts are seizing or cracking due to age rather than distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking architecture. The 2025 failure highlighted excessive play in both front track rod ends and deteriorating suspension arm bushes, which were already flagged in 2024. More critically, the tester identified excessive corrosion on the rear brake pipes in August 2025, a structural metal risk that could lead to brake failure if the lines continue to thin. The record also shows poor tyre management, with the nearside front tyre reaching exposed cords in 2025, indicating that the owner ignores basic safety consumables until they become a legal failure.