2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SL62 VSA

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-24 resulted in a passing outcome, though it revealed persistent advisories related to suspension arm bushings and drive shaft flexible couplings, indicating ongoing wear that has not yet reached critical levels. The overall maintenance trend over the past four years shows a pattern of recurring advisories and minor defects, particularly in the suspension, drive train, and tyres, which suggests that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, its components are under significant stress from high mileage and prolonged use. The failure in 2020-12-07—marked by a dangerous condition (detachable anti-roll bar ball joint) and a major defect (excessive wear on the offside front inner suspension arm ball joint)—serves as a critical warning that these issues, if left unaddressed, could escalate into costly repairs or safety hazards. The fact that the vehicle passed subsequent MOTs despite these advisories implies that the owner has either managed to mitigate risks or that the defects are not yet severe enough to fail the test, but this does not justify ignoring them. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 171,653 miles at 14 years old represents a notably high annual usage rate of approximately 12,261 miles per year, which is far above the average for its age group. Such rapid mileage accumulation accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, as well as drivetrain elements such as drive shafts and flexible couplings. The presence of repeated advisories on tyres worn close to legal limits—particularly in 2020 and 2023—suggests that the tyres have been subjected to significant lateral and longitudinal wear, which could indicate aggressive driving, poor alignment, or excessive load distribution. Additionally, the high mileage may have contributed to the deterioration of the front drive shaft constant velocity (CV) boots and flexible couplings, as seen in multiple MOT records, where severe deterioration was noted in 2020 and 2023. Without evidence of service intervals aligned with mileage or time-based maintenance, the risk of further breakdowns in these critical areas is elevated. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the suspension for signs of progressive wear beyond the advisories recorded. The near- and offside front lower suspension arm bushings show wear but no excessive movement; however, the 2020 failure highlighted a dangerous condition where the anti-roll bar ball joint could detach, so inspecting for corrosion, cracks, or excessive play in the suspension linkages is essential. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, especially on the near- and offside sides, as this may indicate loose or worn suspension components. The drive train, particularly the front CV joints and flexible couplings, should be inspected for leaks from boot damage, which was a minor issue in 2023 and 2020. Vibrations or clicking noises from the front axle during acceleration or cornering could signal failing CV joints or boot failure, leading to oil leaks and eventual joint failure. For the tyres, which have been worn close to legal limits in multiple MOTs, a visual inspection of the tread depth and sidewall condition is critical. Tyres worn on the edges or near the legal limit (typically 1.6mm) may have uneven wear patterns caused by misalignment, poor suspension, or excessive load. The buyer should also check for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can compromise tyre integrity, particularly in a high-mileage vehicle that has been exposed to prolonged periods without use. The brakes should be inspected for signs of excessive pad wear, warping, or corrosion on the discs, which were noted as thin in the 2020 MOT. Binding calipers or uneven brake pedal travel could indicate disc binding or warping, so a test drive on a straight, flat road should reveal any shuddering or pulsation when braking. Additionally, the battery should be tested for voltage and corrosion, especially if the vehicle has been left standing for extended periods, as corrosion on terminals can lead to poor electrical connections. Finally, fluid levels—particularly the brake, coolant, and differential fluids—should be checked for contamination or degradation, as high mileage and time can accelerate fluid breakdown. If the service history is sparse, the buyer should consider scheduling a comprehensive mechanical inspection to address the recurring advisories and prevent future failures.