2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SD09 DXK

The Nissan Qashqai’s MOT history ends in August 2021, with the most recent test revealing a critical failure that was not rectified before the vehicle was retested on the same day. The tester flagged excessive play in both front track rod end ball joints—nearside with slight play and offside with severe wear—under the same defect code (2.1.3 (b) (i)). This indicates a long-standing suspension issue that was neither addressed nor resolved, suggesting either neglect or a decision to continue using the vehicle despite a failed test. The fact that the car was retested immediately after failing implies the owner may have been unaware of the severity or chose to defer repairs. For a buyer, this raises immediate concerns about structural integrity and handling safety, as worn track rod ends can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor alignment, and potential steering instability at speed. The vehicle’s mileage of 172,317 miles over 17 years aligns closely with average usage for its age, averaging roughly 10,136 miles per year—a figure that suggests consistent but not excessive driving. However, the absence of any MOT records between August 2021 and July 2026 is striking, particularly given the car’s age and the known suspension defect. This gap of over five years without a test is unusual for a vehicle of this vintage, especially one that failed a core structural component. It strongly implies the car has either been off the road entirely or driven without MOT compliance, which could mask further deterioration in other areas. The lack of mileage accumulation during this period further supports the possibility of prolonged storage, though this does not mitigate the unresolved suspension fault. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the front suspension components, focusing on both track rod end ball joints for excessive movement or corrosion. The steering rack and tie rods should also be checked for leaks, binding, or uneven wear, as these are closely linked to track rod integrity. Given the age of the vehicle, the coil springs and anti-roll bar bushes may have degraded, potentially causing clunks or uneven ride height. Tyre condition should be scrutinised for irregular wear patterns, which would confirm whether the suspension misalignment has persisted. If the car has been stored, rust in wheel arches, suspension mounts, or exhaust brackets could have developed, compromising structural safety. Without evidence of repairs to the track rod ends, this vehicle presents a significant risk of handling failure and should be treated as a high-priority inspection item.