2020 Nissan Qashqai 1.3L Petrol · SY20 YJS

The most recent DVSA assessment dated 7 August 2026 records both a Pass and a Fail on the same date, which indicates the vehicle was presented for retest following an unsuccessful initial examination. The subsequent Pass confirms the failure item was rectified to a satisfactory standard, but the underlying defect itself is noteworthy. The failure was recorded against the nearside front track rod end ball joint, with the examiner noting excessive play. A track rod end is a critical steering linkage component that connects the steering rack to the wheel hub, and any perceptible play at its ball joint is rightly classified as a Major defect under DVSA categorisation because it directly compromises steering precision and roadholding. The remaining MOT history for 2023, 2024, and 2025 shows three consecutive clean Passes with no advisories, so the overall maintenance trend prior to this entry was demonstrably stable. The single failure should therefore be viewed as an isolated component wear event rather than evidence of systemic neglect, provided you can verify the rectification was performed properly with a documented replacement part. With 54,060 miles recorded over a six-year service life, this Qashqai averages around 9,010 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no substantial gaps between annual MOT entries that would suggest prolonged standing, nor is there evidence of any implausibly low or rapid mileage accumulation that might warrant concern regarding clocking or irregular use. The mileage progression appears consistent and steady, which generally implies regular driving and therefore reasonable exercise of mechanical components such as the brakes, clutch, transmission, and drivetrain. Continuous use of this nature tends to be beneficial for preventing the corrosion-related issues that often afflict low-mileage or stored vehicles. Given the documented track rod end failure, your inspection should commence with a thorough evaluation of the entire front steering and suspension geometry. Beyond confirming the offending joint has been replaced with a quality component, you should examine the condition of the opposite side track rod end, inner tie rods, drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, and lower wishbone bushes, as these items typically degrade in parallel. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to vague steering feel, wandering at speed, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, all of which can indicate that residual wear remains or that geometry has not been set correctly following the repair. A four-wheel alignment printout or receipt would be valuable supporting evidence. Although the MOT record itself is otherwise unblemished, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a number of age-related inspections regardless of test outcomes. The 12V battery is a frequent failure point beyond five years, so confirm its age stamp and test its resting voltage. Brake discs, particularly those fitted at the factory, may now be approaching their minimum thickness, and caliper sliders can begin to seize from accumulated corrosion and infrequent use, so check for smooth rotation and even pad wear. Tyres should be inspected for both tread depth and sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age even when mileage is moderate. Finally, verify that time-based servicing has been attended to, including brake fluid replacement every two years due to its hygroscopic nature, coolant renewal typically at five-year intervals, and a recent automatic transmission fluid and filter service if applicable, as neglect of these items will not be flagged by an MOT but can lead to significant remedial cost.