2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · SC63 XOL

The Nissan Qashqai currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 13 November 2025 at 50,956 miles, but the maintenance trend is one of emerging concern rather than stable upkeep. The vehicle failed its 2025 test on 12 November due to a fractured or broken nearside front coil spring, a serious structural suspension defect that compromises ride height, handling, and tyre wear patterns. The following day's pass confirms the spring was replaced, yet the same test flagged a new advisory for light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. This is not an isolated issue. The shock absorber advisory first appeared in the October 2022 test at 29,059 miles, was absent in the clean passes of 2023 and 2024, and has now reappeared in November 2025. The recurrence suggests the rear shock may have been seeping for some time and was either not addressed or only temporarily resolved, pointing to a pattern of reactive rather than preventive maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2014 vehicle, averaging roughly 4,246 miles per year over approximately twelve years of use. Between October 2022 at 29,059 miles and November 2024 at 42,660 miles, the car covered around 13,600 miles in two years, a moderate pace. However, the jump from 42,660 miles in November 2024 to 50,956 miles in November 2025 represents an accumulation of roughly 8,300 miles in a single year, a significant increase that may indicate a change in ownership or usage pattern. The MOT record itself is consistent in its annual November testing cycle, with no notable gaps or missed years, so the history is reliable and complete. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the front suspension area where the coil spring was replaced. Check for uneven ride height between nearside and offside, listen for clunking over speed bumps, and look for uneven tyre wear on the nearside front, all of which could indicate the spring was not correctly matched or that the opposite side is now under additional stress. The recurring nearside rear shock absorber advisory warrants a physical check for oil dampening on the shock body and a bounce test to assess damping effectiveness. Given the low annual mileage and the possibility of long stationary periods, also inspect the underside for surface corrosion on subframes, brake lines, and suspension mounting points, as short-trip use accelerates moisture-related deterioration. The 2022 test flagged both front tyres worn close to the legal limit, and while subsequent tests recorded no tyre defects, a close inspection of current tread depth and sidewall condition remains prudent given the car's age and usage pattern.