2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · VE59 LBV

The most recent MOT test on 1 July 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator. However, it should be noted that the same date also produced a fail for an illuminated supplementary restraint system warning lamp, indicating an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner fault, and it is worth confirming directly with the seller that this has been rectified and the system verified as functional before purchase. The overall trend over the past four years shows a vehicle that has alternated between passing cleanly and failing with significant mechanical issues, including dangerous tyre tread depth and multiple front suspension and steering failures in July 2025. The presence of repeated front-end component failures within a single test suggests that while repairs have been carried out to pass subsequent tests, the underlying wear on the steering and suspension assemblies of this 17-year-old vehicle warrants close scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 85,095 miles equates to roughly 5,000 miles per year, which is considerably below average for a vehicle of this age and suggests either light general use or extended periods of standing. This pattern of use carries specific mechanical implications: prolonged standing can lead to brake disc corrosion and potential caliper binding, deterioration of flexible brake hoses, ageing of the 12V battery, oxidation of the exhaust system, and perishing or cracking of tyre sidewalls even where tread depth remains adequate. Conversely, the relatively modest annual mileage means that major drivetrain components such as the engine, manual or automatic gearbox, and clutch have not been subjected to the high-cycle wear typically seen on higher-mileage examples, which is a positive factor. Any significant gaps between MOT tests, or notably low recorded mileages between consecutive tests, should be clarified with the seller as they may indicate periods of non-use or potential mileage discrepancies. Given the serious defects identified in the 2025 test, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, steering linkage, and subframe mounting bushes during any inspection. The failure for excessive play at both the nearside track rod end ball joint and the offside inner rack joint suggests wear in the steering rack and tie bar assemblies, and a test drive should be conducted over uneven road surfaces listening for clonking or knocking from the front end and feeling for vagueness in the steering response. The advisory recorded on the same pass regarding a worn lower suspension arm pin or bush reinforces this concern, and any renewed play in these components since the repair should be checked by rocking the front wheels with the car lifted or by a garage-based inspection. The subframe rear bushes, which were found excessively worn, are a critical structural mounting; if not replaced, they can allow the subframe to shift under load, altering wheel geometry and causing uneven or premature tyre wear, so the condition of these bushes should be physically verified. Beyond the documented steering and suspension concerns, several age and mileage-related checks are strongly advised. Brake discs and pads should be inspected for lipping, corrosion pitting on the disc surface, and any evidence of seized caliper slide pins, as standing vehicles frequently suffer from brake binding or judder under initial application. All tyres, including the spare, should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing associated with age regardless of tread depth, and the manufacturing date code on the sidewall should ideally be within the last five to six years. Fluid services including engine oil, brake fluid (which absorbs moisture over time and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage), and coolant should be verified as recently changed, with supporting service documentation. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault should be diagnosed using a compatible OBD tool to confirm whether it relates to a specific airbag, pretensioner, or seat occupancy sensor, and any outstanding technical service actions or recalls from Nissan regarding the Qashqai of this era should be checked and confirmed as completed.