2017 Nissan X-Trail 1.6L Diesel · TS07 ASH

The 2017 Nissan X-Trail passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 11 November 2025, although the examiner recorded three notable advisories alongside the pass certification. These were an oil leak not considered excessive, play detected in both the offside and nearside front steering rack inner joints, and a nearside rear child seat fitted in a manner that prevented full inspection of the adult seatbelt. Across the available five-test history from 2021 through 2025, the vehicle has achieved a clean pass at every annual assessment with no failures, retests, or recorded defects, which indicates a broadly stable maintenance trend. The 2025 advisories do, however, represent the most mechanically significant set noted on this record, and any prospective buyer should treat the steering and oil leak items as the primary areas requiring follow-up investigation. With a recorded odometer reading of 43,722 miles across nine years of service, this X-Trail has averaged approximately 4,858 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and suggests either a low-commuting usage pattern or extended periods of standing between uses. Such low annual mileage carries its own mechanical implications, as prolonged inactivity can promote moisture accumulation in engine oil and brake fluid, brake disc corrosion due to infrequent use, sticking or binding brake calipers, deterioration of the 12V battery through repeated partial discharge cycles, and perishing of rubber components such as tyres, drive belts, and suspension bushes from age rather than wear. Conversely, the relatively low overall mileage means that major drivetrain consumables such as the clutch, timing chain, and turbocharger (if fitted) are unlikely to be heavily worn, although confirmation through service records remains essential. Turning to the specific advisories, the steering rack inner joint play recorded on both sides at the front warrants particular attention, as this condition typically progresses over time and can manifest on a test drive as a loose or imprecise steering feel, vague on-centre response, or a knocking or clunking noise from the front end when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed direction changes. An uneven or feathered wear pattern across the front tyres would also corroborate any play in the steering linkage, and a thorough inspection of the inner and outer edges of the front tyres should be carried out with the wheels turned to full lock. The oil leak advisory, although deemed not excessive at the time of test, should be monitored closely, as even minor leaks from the sump, valve cover gasket, or front crankshaft seal tend to worsen gradually and may lead to low oil level issues if the vehicle is driven between service intervals. A physical inspection underneath the vehicle for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump, or subframe would be advisable, and consideration given to a compression test if the leak is found to be more substantial than the MOT examiner recorded. The 2022 test recorded front brake pads noted as wearing thin, and although this item was not repeated in subsequent assessments, the buyer should verify whether the pads have since been renewed, as pads approaching the minimum friction material thickness at that mileage point would reasonably be due for replacement by the present time. The earlier advisories regarding a nail in the offside rear tyre and slight perishing damage would also have been addressed at the time, but the age of the vehicle means that tyre sidewall cracking from perishing rubber is a live concern irrespective of tread depth, and all four tyres should be examined for hairline cracking, bulging, or age-related deterioration, particularly given the low annual mileage and likelihood of extended standing. Beyond the recorded advisory items, a low-mileage nine-year-old vehicle of this profile warrants attention to time-based servicing items, including confirmation of cambelt or chain service intervals (manufacturer dependent for the X-Trail diesel or petrol variants), brake fluid replacement every two to four years to prevent moisture-related corrosion within the ABS modulator and caliper bores, coolant renewal, and a battery health check given the typical five to seven year service life of a 12V unit. Finally, the undertray advisories recorded in 2022, 2023, and 2024 confirm that beneath-body inspection was restricted during those tests, and any prospective inspection should either request removal of the undertrays or arrange for the vehicle to be raised on a ramp so that the exhaust system, rear subframe, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar drop links can be properly examined for corrosion or wear.