2002 Nissan D22 2.5L Diesel · SL52 OPM

The most recent MOT test on this 2002 Nissan D22 occurred over four years ago, on 2021-11-03, with the vehicle currently at 104,380 miles. The test history shows a concerning pattern of irregular maintenance, as the car failed twice in consecutive years (2019 and 2020) despite no recorded defects being logged—this suggests either administrative errors in the MOT process or, more likely, that the tester did not identify critical issues. The lack of advisories or defects in any of these tests implies either a failure to detect serious wear or a deliberate omission of findings, which is highly unusual. Given the age of the vehicle and the prolonged gap since the last test, a thorough independent inspection is essential to confirm structural integrity, particularly in areas prone to corrosion and suspension degradation. The recorded mileage of 104,380 miles over nearly 24 years equates to approximately 4,349 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either very light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity, both of which can accelerate wear in suspension components, brake systems, and fluid-based elements. Notably, there are no MOT records between 2021 and the present, meaning the vehicle has not undergone mandatory roadworthiness testing for nearly five years. Such a long gap raises immediate concerns about unchecked deterioration, especially in critical areas like brake pads, tyres, and suspension bushes, which degrade predictably over time regardless of mileage. Given the lack of defects in the MOT history, the primary focus of an in-person inspection should be on components that are not routinely tested but are critical to safety. The suspension—particularly coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for uneven wear, excessive play, or corrosion, as these are common failure points in older vehicles. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for uneven wear, binding, or excessive corrosion, as the absence of advisories in past tests does not guarantee they have been maintained. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, must also be scrutinised for signs of rust penetration or distortion, which could compromise handling and safety. Additionally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive corrosion, as this is often overlooked in MOT tests but can lead to emissions failures or structural weaknesses.