2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · VF66 KBV

A pattern of recurring exhaust and brake-related defects defines the MOT history of this 2017 Nissan Qashqai, most notably centred on the 12 February 2026 test where it was failed for a broken front exhaust pipe causing a major gas leak and likely compromised emissions, alongside insufficient washer fluid. A retest the following day returned a pass with no recorded defects, suggesting the exhaust repair and washer top-up were carried out promptly. Beyond that isolated failure, the test outcome across the recorded five-year window is broadly consistent with a vehicle that has cleared its annual roadworthiness checks on first or repeat attempt, with prior minor issues confined to tyre cuts on three corners in January 2024 and a further washer fluid advisory in early 2025. The 2026 failure therefore stands out as the only significant mechanical defect recorded, though the accompanying advisories for worn, pitted, and scored brake discs on both axles flag consumable wear consistent with the mileage accumulated. The recorded mileage of 82,224 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual accumulation rate of roughly 9,100 miles, which sits within typical parameters for a vehicle of this age and type, indicating steady rather than exceptional use. There are no multi-year gaps in testing that would suggest the vehicle was off the road, and the continuity of annual tests from 2022 through 2026 reflects consistent presentation for roadworthiness scrutiny. Mileage progression has therefore been incremental and predictable, and at this level of annual use the mechanical implications primarily concern wear on friction items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and suspension bushes rather than any unusual stress on the drivetrain. For a prospective buyer, the brake disc advisories flagged at both ends of the axle at the 2026 test warrant close physical inspection. Pitting and scoring on the friction surfaces can progress to cause pedal pulsation or vibration under heavy braking, uneven pad wear, and reduced braking efficiency in wet conditions, particularly if the discs have worn close to their minimum thickness. A test drive should include a firm stop from moderate speed to feel for any judder through the pedal or steering, and a visual check of the discs should confirm a smooth, even surface free from deep ridges or lipping that exceeds the manufacturer’s wear limits. Given the mileage, it is also prudent to inspect pad material thickness and to listen for any grinding or squealing on light brake application. The exhaust failure recorded at the 2026 test, while rectified by the subsequent pass, should prompt a physical examination of the full exhaust system, particularly the front pipe and manifold gasket area, as exhaust leaks in this region can recur if the repair was limited to a section replacement without addressing corroding adjacent pipework. During a test drive, listen for any ticking, hissing, or blowing noises that intensify on acceleration, and check for black soot deposits around joints which would indicate a continuing leak affecting emissions and cabin noise levels. It would also be sensible to inspect the rear silencer and mounting rubbers for corrosion or sagging, given the vehicle’s age and exposure to road salt, and to confirm that the tyre sidewalls are free from any cuts or bulges given the prior three-tyre cord exposure failures recorded in 2024.