2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · SW62 KTF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 January 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently satisfies the statutory safety and emissions criteria. Over the preceding six years the MOT record shows a pattern of intermittent failures – notably lighting faults, severely worn front suspension ball‑joints, an off‑side rear brake pad thickness below the legal minimum and several dangerous tyre‑tread warnings – interspersed with passes that only listed advisory corrosion notes. The successful 2026 test suggests that the major safety‑related items flagged in earlier years have been remedied, yet the persistence of advisory corrosion on the rear sub‑frame and mounting points signals a continuing, albeit non‑critical, structural concern. At 99 454 mi the Qashqai averages roughly 7 600 mi per annum, which is typical for a thirteen‑year‑old family SUV. The mileage does not imply excessive wear, but the relatively modest annual distance also hints at periods of low utilisation or prolonged storage. Such standing periods can accelerate tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of under‑body components, even when the overall mileage remains moderate. Consequently, the wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushings and tyre tread may be more a function of age than of mileage alone. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear sub‑frame and the front suspension mounting areas that have been repeatedly noted as corroded. Visually inspect the underside for any rust flaking or pitting that could progress to structural weakening, and listen for clunking or excessive play when applying steering inputs or driving over bumps, which would indicate worn ball‑joints or anti‑roll‑bar linkages. Verify that all exterior lighting – especially the off‑side front position lamp – operates correctly, and confirm that the tyre tread on all four wheels exceeds the 1.6 mm legal minimum; the 2025 failure for both rear tyres suggests that the current set may be approaching the end of its service life and should be measured with a tread depth gauge. Also ensure that the child‑seat mounting does not obstruct the adult seat‑belt mechanism, as this was flagged in two recent tests. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile examination of the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulging is essential, as is a check of the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and electrolyte level if applicable. Confirm that the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids have been changed within the manufacturer’s time intervals, as fluids can degrade even on low‑mileage cars. Finally, request the full service history and look for evidence of timely replacement of wear items such as brake pads, discs and suspension bushes; any gaps may indicate that the recent MOT pass was achieved without addressing underlying component wear, which could lead to costly repairs shortly after purchase.