2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · SP67 VDR

A pattern of mechanical wear rather than outright neglect defines this Qashqai's MOT history, with the most recent test on 10 September 2025 highlighting a drivetrain vulnerability alongside a clean pass on the same date. The 2025 failure involved a split offside front constant velocity boot on the drive shaft, a defect that allows contamination of the joint grease and, if left, leads to rapid internal wear of the CV joint itself. While the same-day pass indicates the boot was rectified, a buyer should be alert to the possibility that grit entered the joint before repair, meaning premature failure of the offside front drive shaft remains a residual concern worth monitoring over the coming months. Annual mileage of roughly 8,605 miles across nine years represents broadly typical usage for a vehicle of this age, with no extended gaps in testing or anomalous jumps in recorded distance that would suggest prolonged inactivity or clock irregularities. This level of use keeps the wear profile relatively moderate: tyres, brake components, and suspension items accumulate deterioration gradually rather than being subjected to high-mileage stress. The continuity of annual tests from 2020 onwards, combined with mileage progression consistent with normal commuting or mixed use, provides a reasonably representative picture of mechanical wear without the distorting effects of either a taxi-style workload or a long lay-up. None of the recorded tests indicate structural corrosion advisories, which is a positive mechanical indicator given that Qashqais of this generation can be prone to rear subframe and suspension mounting rust. The advisories recorded at the April 2023 test merit particular attention during a physical inspection, as they cluster around the offside rear brake assembly and the front suspension and steering geometry. The offside rear outer brake disc wear and the binding offside rear service brake suggest caliper slide or piston stiffness on that corner, which on a test drive would manifest as either pulling to one side under braking, uneven brake feel, or excessive heat from the offside rear wheel after sustained use. A close inspection of the offside rear caliper for seized slides and verification of even pad wear across both rear wheels is essential. The offside front inner suspension arm rear bush wear and the nearside front steering rack inner joint play are also significant, as these components directly influence handling precision. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and pay attention to any vagueness or tremor through the steering wheel that points to worn steering rack internals. A borescope inspection of the offside front CV boot area and a check for grease residue behind the wheel would also be prudent given the recent boot failure. The April 2023 tyre-related advisories, including the dangerous failure for tread depth below 1.6mm on the offside front, indicate that the vehicle was run on tyres until they reached the legal minimum or beyond, which raises a general question about consumable replacement discipline. While the 2024 and 2025 tests recorded no tyre-related defects, an inspection of all four tyres for even wear patterns, age-related sidewall cracking, and adequate tread depth remains sensible. Given the documented brake, suspension, and steering component advisories in 2023 alongside the 2025 CV boot failure, a pre-purchase inspection that includes the vehicle raised on a ramp to examine the underside, check for oil leaks from the transmission area, and inspect all suspension joints for perished bushes would be the most prudent route for a prospective buyer.