2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SL68 MVC

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, with a single advisory recorded for slight damage, cracking or perishing on the nearside rear tyre. Looking at the broader pattern across the last four test cycles, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a gradually increasing advisory count that warrants attention. The 2022 test was completely clean, whereas subsequent tests have progressively flagged more items, culminating in a fail in December 2023 for a dangerous offside front tyre with tread depth below 1.6mm and a major defect concerning parking brake efficiency below requirements. That vehicle was subsequently repaired and passed the same day, but the volume of advisories now appearing on virtually every component of the car suggests a maintenance regime that is reactive rather than preventative. For a prospective buyer, this trend indicates the car has not been neglected, but it is also not being addressed proactively before defects reach MOT failure level. Recorded mileage stands at 51,803 miles over an eight-year span, equating to approximately 6,475 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a Qashqai of this age and consistent with regular but not intensive use. The mileage progression between tests appears steady, with no sudden jumps that might suggest long motorway trips, nor any extended gaps indicating the vehicle has been laid up for significant periods. This kind of consistent, moderate usage is generally favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as the major drivetrain components and suspension have been kept in regular operation, reducing the risk of seizure from standing and avoiding the heavy wear cycles associated with high-mileage examples. However, the relatively modest annual figure also means that many age-related deterioration issues, such as rubber perishing and fluid degradation, may still be present despite the relatively low wear on major mechanical parts. Given the recurring tyre-related advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to sidewall cracking and perishing which is very common on a vehicle of this age regardless of tread depth. The nearside rear has been flagged twice for perishing, so the sidewall should be examined for visible crazing or small fissures, and both front tyres should be checked for uneven inner or outer edge wear, as the nearside front was previously noted as worn on the edge, which can indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or compromised top mounts. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end, and pay attention to vague steering or pulling to one side which may suggest the tracking issue has not been resolved. Inspect the alloy wheels for kerb damage and check that all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread pattern, as mismatched tyres on a Qashqai can also trigger ABS and traction control warnings. The brake-related advisories across multiple tests indicate that the braking system is approaching a service interval and should be inspected closely. The offside front pads were noted as wearing thin in late 2024, and front pads were again flagged in 2023, so replacement is highly likely imminent, while the rear brake discs were recorded as worn, pitted or scored on the earlier failure. During a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or metallic scraping from the brakes, and feel for any pulsing or shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would suggest disc runout or warping. Confirm that the parking brake holds the vehicle securely on an incline, given the previous major defect, and request a visual inspection of the rear calipers and handbrake mechanism for seizure or corrosion. Beyond the recorded defects, the eight-year age of the vehicle demands attention to time-served components regardless of mileage: the 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its service life and should be load-tested, brake fluid should be renewed every two years irrespective of mileage, and coolant condition should be checked. Verify the service book stamps correspond to the recorded mileage and request evidence of any recent work addressing the previously advised items, particularly tyre replacements and brake servicing.