2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · ST61 KUK

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. The latest test in December 2025 at 72,830 miles identified multiple mechanical areas of concern, including a severely deteriorated CV boot, binding rear brakes, and worn wipers. While the car passed, the frequency of advisories across the last three tests suggests that components are only being addressed once they approach failure or reach legal limits, rather than being replaced during scheduled service intervals. At approximately 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 72,830 miles is significantly low, averaging only 5,200 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage in recent years, with roughly 5,000 miles covered between November 2024 and December 2025. However, the low mileage often masks age-related degradation of rubber and metal components. The presence of a deteriorated nearside front CV boot and corroded suspension elements indicates that the vehicle is beginning to dry out and oxidize despite the low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front and rear subframes and suspension arms, as corrosion has been flagged in both November 2024 and December 2025. While the tester noted the rust was not seriously weakened, the recurring nature of this advisory requires close monitoring for structural integrity. The binding offside rear brake also warrants attention, as it has appeared in both 2023 and 2025, suggesting a sticking caliper or seized cylinder that could lead to uneven pad wear. The consistent history of worn tyres on the edges across multiple years indicates a potential alignment issue or neglected suspension that remains unresolved. Furthermore, the 2023 failure due to an anti-roll bar linkage and track rod end confirms that the front suspension geometry is prone to rapid wear. The buyer should verify that the nearside front CV boot has been replaced since the last test, as a torn boot will lead to an immediate and expensive drive joint failure.