2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · SF16 DET

The 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol Qashqai typically returns around 42-49 mpg on a combined cycle, depending on driving style, with CO2 emissions of around 119-130 g/km depending on the specific variant. Road tax for a 2016 petrol Qashqai sits in the £165-£210 annual bracket (post-2017 VED rates apply as it was registered after April 2017 threshold changes apply to first-year rates). Insurance group ratings for the 1.2 petrol Qashqai are relatively favourable at around group 13-15, meaning mid-range premiums for most drivers.

Routine maintenance tends to be moderate for this model — annual servicing with a reputable independent typically costs £180-£280 depending on whether interim or full service intervals apply. Timing chain inspection and replacement on the 1.2 DIG-T can be a costly item if neglected, so a clear service history is particularly valuable.

Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500 covering fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance. Expect higher figures in the first year of ownership if the recent suspension and engine issues require immediate attention.

The October 2024 failure listed a fractured nearside front coil spring and an offside rear coil spring fracture — both should be physically inspected for replacement evidence. Look for fresh spring paint, new strut assemblies, or ask the seller directly. A broken coil spring that has been replaced with a quality part should not be visible as a fault on the current MOT; verify that new springs are fitted and check the corresponding spring seats and top mounts for damage caused by the fracture.

The engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction advisory is potentially the most concerning failure item, as it suggests either a faulty sensor or a real emissions/engine fault that was not properly rectified before the re-test. Ask to see fault codes read with a diagnostic tool (most garages will do this for a small fee) and check that no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard. Also inspect the exhaust system, catalytic converter area and oxygen sensors, as these are common culprits on higher-mileage 1.2 DIG-T units.

The nearside front suspension arm ball joint was flagged as excessively worn — jack the car up and check for play in the front wheels by hand, and inspect the lower control arms, anti-roll bar drop links and bushes. Given the recurring nearside front tyre perishing advisories across 2023, 2024 and 2025, also check the wheel alignment and inspect the tyres for uneven wear patterns that might point to suspension geometry issues still present.