2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SL61 VKB

This fifteen-year-old Nissan Qashqai presents a clean MOT profile across the recorded testing history, with no advisories or defects logged on any of the documented test entries. The most recent examination on 23 February 2026 produced a pass, mirroring the outcome from twelve months earlier, and the only failures recorded on 23 February 2026 and 4 February 2025 appear to be administrative or retest entries with no defects associated, suggesting the vehicle has consistently met the minimum roadworthiness standards required at each annual assessment. The absence of any flagged component wear, corrosion, or advisory items means there is no documented mechanical trend to be concerned about, which is a notably tidy record for a car of this age that has covered substantial mileage and been exposed to multiple British winters of road salt and grit. Recorded mileage of 123,667 miles against a fifteen-year registration equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,244 miles, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a family crossover of this era and demographic. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT history that would imply prolonged periods off the road, and the steady progression of annual tests without recorded mileage anomalies suggests continuous, regular use rather than long lay-ups or sporadic short journeys. This pattern of consistent running is mechanically favourable, as it indicates that the engine, transmission, and ancillary systems have been kept in regular operation, reducing the likelihood of dormant component degradation such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, or dried seals that often plague vehicles left standing for extended periods. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any specific flagged components in the MOT record means the usual checklist for a high-mileage Qashqai of this generation remains relevant rather than guided by documented defect history. On a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension assembly, as the Qashqai is known for wear in the rear beam bushes and coil springs, which manifest as a clonking or knocking noise over speed humps and uneven surfaces, together with a slightly unsettled ride quality over undulating tarmac. Steering play or vagueness around the straight-ahead position could indicate wear in the front lower control arm bushes or tie rod ends, both of which are common renewal items on higher-mileage examples of this platform. Brake feel and operation also warrant close scrutiny on the test drive, with any judder through the pedal under firm application suggesting warped front discs, and a soft or spongy pedal travel potentially indicating corrosion within the brake pipework, particularly along the underside and rear axle area where salt exposure is heaviest. On starting from cold, listen for any rattling from the timing chain area at the front of the engine, as the 1.5 and 1.6 dCi units in particular are known for chain stretch at higher mileages, which can produce a characteristic rattle on initial start-up that often diminishes as oil pressure rises. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion on subframe, suspension arms, and exhaust mounting points is advisable given the age and mileage, even though the MOT record itself has not flagged any structural concerns.