2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · SB12 VLT

The Nissan Qashqai presents as fundamentally sound, with a maintenance trend that is stable but requiring prompt attention to recent advisories. The most recent test on 6 September 2025 at 161,228 miles resulted in a pass, but the record shows a failed attempt on the same day. The tester flagged a low nearside front headlamp aim and multiple tyres worn close to the legal limit. These were rectified for the subsequent pass, yet the fact that the car failed its first attempt on basic items like headlamp aim and tyre condition suggests the vehicle was presented in a less-than-ideal state. The windscreen damage noted as not affecting the driver's view remains a point for ongoing monitoring. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a 2012 vehicle. Between 31 August 2023 at 130,903 miles and 7 September 2024 at 144,368 miles, the car covered 13,465 miles in just over a year. The following year, from 7 September 2024 to 6 September 2025, saw a further 16,860 miles added, bringing the total to 161,228. This indicates regular, above-average use without significant periods of inactivity. The MOT record itself is clean for the two prior years, with zero defects recorded in both the 2023 and 2024 passes, pointing to a period of reliable upkeep before the recent tyre and lighting issues emerged. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The 2023 failure identified an offside front suspension arm ball joint at risk of detachment, a serious wear item that demands verification of its replacement. The same test also flagged structural failure in the form of lumps on both front tyres, indicating the car was driven in a state of neglect at that time. Inspect the inner edges of all four tyres carefully, as the 2025 advisories repeatedly highlighted inner edge wear on the front and rear, a classic symptom of worn suspension bushes or misaligned tracking. Check the condition of the front brake discs and pads, as the consistent tyre wear patterns and high annual mileage suggest these consumables are working hard. Finally, examine the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as a vehicle of this age and mileage operating on UK roads will have faced significant winter salt exposure.