2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · ST15 XLP

The most recent MOT on 14 July 2026 was passed, but it carried an advisory that both front brake discs are worn, pitted or scored, although not yet seriously weakened. Over the preceding twelve‑month period the vehicle also passed with a rear‑disc advisory, and a year earlier it failed due to a major fault – an inoperative engine MIL indicator – together with a stop‑start system warning. The pattern shows a generally stable MOT record with isolated issues: the brake disc wear is recurring, and the engine warning that caused the 2025 failure appears to have been rectified, as the car subsequently passed. Overall the maintenance trend is neither sharply deteriorating nor markedly improving; it is stable but warrants focused attention on the braking system and any lingering electronic faults. At 6 860 miles recorded for a 2015 model, the average annual usage is roughly 620 miles, which is exceptionally low for an eleven‑year‑old vehicle. Such limited mileage often reflects long periods of inactivity rather than gentle driving, and it can lead to age‑related degradation that is independent of distance. Prolonged standing can cause tyre rubber to harden and crack, battery plates to sulphate, seals and gaskets to dry out, and corrosion to develop on suspension bushings and under‑body panels. There are no indications of any mileage spikes that would suggest a period of intensive use, so the mechanical wear on components that are primarily mileage‑dependent (such as clutch, CV joints and engine bearings) is likely to be minimal, but time‑based wear must still be considered. A prospective buyer should give the brake system a thorough examination. Inspect the front discs for scoring depth, rust on the backing plate and any uneven wear that could indicate warped rotors or sticking calipers. The rear discs, already flagged in previous advisories, should be measured for thickness and checked for surface irregularities. During a test drive listen for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially at higher speeds, and feel for any pull to one side that could signal uneven disc wear or a sticking caliper. Verify that the brake warning light illuminates correctly and that any fault codes related to the engine management or stop‑start system have been cleared; a diagnostic scan should confirm that the MIL indicator is now functional and that the stop‑start fault does not reappear under normal operating conditions. Because the car has spent considerable time idle, the buyer must also assess age‑related items. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot, and confirm the DOT code to ensure they are not older than six years; tread depth should be measured and any uneven wear patterns noted. Test the 12‑volt battery with a load tester or have it checked at a reputable garage, as a battery that has been stored for long periods often loses capacity. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust system, and verify that rubber boots, bushings and suspension joints are supple rather than cracked. Finally, request evidence of time‑based fluid changes – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – as these degrade even when the vehicle is not driven, and ensure that any required service intervals have been observed in the service book.