2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · SB12 VLU

This 2012 Nissan Qashqai presents a stable and recently confirmed roadworthiness position, having passed its most recent MOT on 22 April 2026 at 100,729 miles with zero defects recorded. The maintenance trend over the past two years is clearly improving. A failed test on 23 April 2024 at 87,483 miles revealed several significant mechanical faults, including a fractured nearside rear coil spring, excessively worn suspension arm ball joints, and a worn anti-roll bar linkage. All of these structural and suspension defects appear to have been rectified before the subsequent pass on 25 April 2024, and the vehicle has since recorded clean passes in both May 2025 and April 2026, indicating that the previous owner addressed the underlying issues rather than allowing them to persist. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,195 miles per year is entirely typical for a vehicle of this age and does not raise any immediate concerns. The recorded mileages show a consistent and gradual climb from 80,465 miles in May 2023 to 100,729 miles in April 2026, with no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged periods of disuse. The annual distance covered has remained relatively steady, which implies regular use rather than long-term standing that can cause its own problems such as seized brakes, perished rubber components, and flat-spotted tyres. Despite the clean recent result, a prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and braking components that have historically required attention. The fractured coil spring and worn ball joints flagged in April 2024 point to a period where the front and rear suspension was under considerable stress. A physical inspection should include checking for uneven ride height, clunking from the front end over rough surfaces, and any signs of fresh corrosion or cracking on the remaining coil springs and lower arms. The rear brake pads have appeared as wearing thin in both the 2024 and 2025 tests, suggesting the vehicle may be driven in a manner that places heavier demand on the rear braking system, or that rear calipers should be checked for binding. The exhaust heat shield on the fuel tank was flagged as loose in two consecutive tests during 2024, which is a minor but telling detail about the standard of repair work carried out. A buyer should verify that this has been properly secured, as a loose heat shield can rattle, corrode, and eventually detach. The 2023 advisory regarding perished and worn tyres across all four wheels suggests that basic consumable upkeep was not always prioritised, so the current tyre condition should be carefully assessed for age-related cracking, uneven tread depth, and sidewall damage. Overall, the vehicle's recent clean bill of health is encouraging, but the 2024 failure cluster warrants a thorough independent inspection of the suspension, brakes, and underbody before purchase.