2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · SL68 LSD

The 2018 Nissin Qashqai presents a mixed mechanical picture across its eight-year history, beginning with a concerning cluster of advisories in the 2021 MOT that included a cut on the offside front tyre not reaching the ply or cords, near-side front tyre damage, and notably thin rear inner brake pads on both sides. Despite these early warnings, the vehicle achieved clean passes in subsequent tests through 2025, with the most recent examination on 2025-09-18 confirming no active defects. The overall trajectory shows resolution of the 2021 issues by the time of the latest test, yet certain tyre-related problems remain evident in the historical record and require continued monitoring rather than being dismissed as resolved. At 79,157 miles after approximately eight years of ownership, the vehicle accumulates roughly 9,895 miles annually—a rate consistent with typical daily use for a compact SUV but indicating moderate wear on consumption systems. The spacing between MOT tests remains steady, occurring roughly every twelve months from 2021 through 2025, suggesting the owner maintained regular intervals. There is no indication of accelerated mileage spikes or prolonged periods of idling; instead, the data reflects stable, normal utilisation that aligns with the car's age and mileage bracket. This consistency supports the conclusion that the vehicle has not undergone dramatic changes in driving conditions that would dramatically increase component stress. The offside front tyres present two distinct concerns that should be verified during a test drive: the initial cut that did not penetrate the ply, and the later observation that the same tyre is worn close to its legal limit and appearing worn on the edge. On a test drive, listen for any vibration transmitted through the chassis when navigating rough surfaces, as compromised sidewall integrity can cause knobbier handling. Additionally, the near-side front tyre showing crack or perishing damage warrants visual confirmation of the full extent of the damage to ensure it does not propagate. Both tyre issues compound the need for a thorough tyre inspection before acquisition, particularly given the proximity of the last MOT to the present date. The rear inner brake pads, which were noted as thin on both sides in the 2021 MOT and carried forward into the 2025 pass, represent another critical area requiring attention. If the pads are indeed wearing thin, expect a reduction in braking efficiency and possible pedal pulsation under load. During a test drive, apply firm braking from various speeds and observe whether the pedal feels spongy or inconsistent. While the latest MOT confirmed no brake-related defects, the persistence of thin pads even after seven months suggests underlying wear patterns that could accelerate if left unchecked. Combined with the tyre issues, these findings indicate that while the vehicle passed its most recent inspection, the buyer should plan for brake system servicing and a detailed tyre assessment before committing to the purchase.