2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · SP59 WDT

A pattern of front suspension and steering component wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 17-year-old Qashqai, with the most recent test on 20 July 2026 passing only after recording a minor defect for a severely deteriorated nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot. That advisory is consistent with a recurring theme in the record: the 2024 test flagged a deteriorated nearside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, while the 2023 test noted slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. Taken together, these observations point to a steering and drivetrain area that has been gradually accruing wear rather than deteriorating in a single catastrophic event. Two failures appear in the history, both for relatively minor reasons. The 2024 failure was caused by an inoperative nearside front position lamp, and the 2022 failure was attributed to a nearside rear seat belt buckle that was missing beneath the seat base, an unusual item for a Qashqai of this age and one worth verifying has been correctly resolved. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness with persistent but non-critical advisories clustered around the front-end hardware. Recorded mileage of 143,189 miles over 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,400 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests reasonably consistent use rather than extended periods off the road. There are no obvious mileage gaps or sudden jumps between test entries that would imply prolonged standing or clock irregularities, and the vehicle has been presented for testing annually since at least 2021, indicating continuous operational use. Mechanically, an average-to-high mileage Qashqai of this generation places greater demand on the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar linkages, brake discs, calipers, and the continuously variable transmission if so equipped, as these are the consumables that scale most directly with mile accumulation. The fact that the recorded mileage is moderate rather than exceptional provides some reassurance, but the front-end wear pattern still warrants closer inspection given the age of the components. A prospective buyer should focus attention on the steering and drivetrain components specifically flagged in the MOT record. The deteriorated CV boot noted in July 2026 will require replacement if it has not already been addressed, and any test drive should include tight low-speed turns in both directions to listen for clicking or knocking from the front wheels, which would indicate that grease has escaped the joint and damage to the CV joint internals has begun. With track rod end play previously recorded on the offside and a deteriorated dust cover on the nearside, the steering rack and both track rod ends merit close examination for free play by manually rocking the front wheels with the car raised, and on the road any vibration through the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or a tendency for the car to pull to one side under braking would suggest these components have reached the end of their service life. The rear seat belt buckle issue from 2022 is unusual and should be confirmed as a proper repair rather than a temporary fix, with the buckle fully functioning and clicking positively into place during a physical inspection. The windscreen damage noted in 2025 should also be checked for any progression, particularly around the driver's primary line of sight, as the original advisory only applied because it was not adversely affecting the view at that time. Beyond the flagged items, a Qashqai of this age and mileage is known for corrosion around the rear axle, suspension spring seats, and exhaust hangers, so a thorough underside examination on a ramp or over a pit is advisable, paying particular attention to structural integrity around the rear subframe mounting points. Finally, a full test drive should include moderate to firm braking from higher speeds to check for any pedal judder suggesting warped front discs, as these are common wear items at this mileage and would be a likely upcoming replacement irrespective of the MOT record.