2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · VN62 PHV

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 27 October 2023, was passed but carried several advisories, notably deteriorated constant‑velocity (CV) boots on the front drive shafts and the presence of child seats that prevented full belt inspection. Over the past three years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with the 2022‑11‑10 and 2023‑10‑26 tests both resulting in failures for brake‑related items and parking‑brake inefficiency. Although the latest result is a pass, the recurrence of CV‑boot wear, thin brake pads and marginal tyre tread indicates a maintenance pattern that is not improving and requires prompt attention to avoid future failures. At 145,938 mi the Qashqai averages roughly 10,400 mi per year, a usage rate that sits squarely within the normal UK range for a fourteen‑year‑old model. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity in the recorded history, suggesting the vehicle has seen regular, moderate use rather than extended storage. This level of mileage means that wear items such as suspension bushings, engine mounts, and drivetrain components are likely approaching the middle of their service lives, while consumables such as tyres, brake pads and fluid seals will be nearing the end of their recommended intervals. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front CV boots, which have been flagged as severely deteriorated on three separate occasions. Inspect the boots for cracks, grease leakage or splatter on the surrounding suspension and check for any clicking or whine from the front wheels during low‑speed acceleration and deceleration, which would signal joint damage. The brake system shows a consistent pattern of thin front pads, rear pads at the wear limit and a rear disc that is already pitted; expect the next service to require a full pad set replacement and likely resurfacing or replacement of the rear disc. The parking‑brake warning from 2022, indicating negligible effort on the secondary rear circuit, should be verified – a binding or misadjusted rear drum can cause uneven wear and reduced stopping confidence, especially on inclines. Tyres were noted as close to the legal tread limit on both fronts in late 2023; confirm current tread depth and sidewall condition, as age‑related perishing can occur even on relatively low‑kilometre tyres. The emission DSM’s inability to register output, recorded twice, may point to a faulty sensor or wiring issue that could affect future MOT compliance and should be diagnosed. Beyond the identified defects, age‑related checks are advisable. Verify that the 12‑volt battery holds charge and that the terminals are free of corrosion, as prolonged standing can reduce battery life. Examine the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that brake discs are not excessively corroded on the inner face, which can cause shudder when warmed. Finally, confirm that the service booklet shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer’s intervals; if service stamps are missing, anticipate a comprehensive fluid flush and a thorough inspection of the timing chain or belt, given the vehicle’s fourteen‑year service life.