2019 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · VT19 PDU

The most recent MOT test on the 2019 Nissan Qashqai, conducted on 2026-06-30, resulted in a clean pass with no defects recorded. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that suggest underlying wear and potential long-term maintenance challenges. The most critical failure occurred in 2026, where the offside rear coil spring was found fractured and the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, both of which are major defects requiring immediate replacement. These failures indicate significant suspension degradation, likely accelerated by either heavy or aggressive use, poor maintenance, or environmental factors such as road conditions or climate exposure. The previous advisory failures—particularly the nearside and offside front tyres worn close to legal limits and the rear tyres showing signs of perishing—highlight persistent tyre management issues, while the brake pad and disc advisories from 2024 and 2023 suggest ongoing brake system wear that may require closer monitoring. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 63,315 miles at the time of assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 9,045 miles per year, which is typical for a seven-year-old car driven under moderate conditions. However, the MOT history does not provide explicit details on usage patterns, but the presence of multiple advisories and failures—particularly in suspension and tyres—could imply either inconsistent maintenance or exposure to rough driving conditions. The fact that the car has accumulated this mileage without a significant spike in wear-related failures suggests it has been driven steadily rather than subjected to extreme stress. Still, the suspension issues and tyre wear advisories warrant further investigation, as they may reflect underlying mechanical fatigue or neglect over time. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension system, brakes, and tyres. The fractured coil spring and worn ball joint from the 2026 MOT failure indicate that the suspension is at a critical stage, with the offside rear coil spring likely requiring immediate replacement to prevent further damage to the axle, subframe, or even structural integrity. On a test drive, listen for excessive clunking or rattling from the rear suspension, particularly when cornering or over bumps, and check for uneven ride height or alignment issues. The offside front lower suspension arm ball joint’s excessive wear may also cause steering play or a loose-feeling wheel, so inspect for play in the steering wheel or a lack of responsive handling. Additionally, the brake system advisories from previous MOTs suggest that the front and rear brake pads are near depletion, and the discs may be pitted or warped. Test for brake shudder during deceleration, uneven brake pad wear, or a spongy or pulling brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. If the brakes are binding, the calipers may need lubrication or the discs may require resurfacing or replacement. Beyond the mechanical checks, the tyres are a major concern given the repeated advisories of wear close to legal limits and perishing. Inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur from age or exposure to UV light, even if the tread depth remains legal. The nearside and offside front tyres showing edge wear may indicate misalignment, underinflation, or poor alignment, which can lead to further tyre degradation and alignment issues. Check the tread depth uniformly across the tyre’s circumference and look for signs of uneven wear patterns. If the tyres are approaching the legal limit or show significant perishing, consider replacing them to prevent blowouts or hydroplaning hazards. Finally, while the MOT history is clean for the last two years, it is prudent to verify the vehicle’s service history, particularly for fluid servicing such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, which should be replaced at manufacturer-recommended intervals regardless of mileage. Check for any standing corrosion on the undercarriage, particularly around the wheel arches and exhaust system, as prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate rusting. Additionally, test the 12V battery’s health by ensuring it holds a charge and that all electrical connections are clean and tight, as older vehicles are more susceptible to battery failure.