2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · WA66 PFE

Cumulative wear across rubber suspension components and steering linkages forms the primary mechanical talking point of this ten-year-old Nissan Qashqai, which most recently secured an MOT pass on the ninth of September 2025 at 59,286 miles. While the vehicle has successfully passed every annual test recorded since 2022, the 2025 examination highlighted deteriorating dust covers on both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints alongside track rod end boot damage, accompanied by rear beam axle mounting bush wear and front tyres nearing their legal tread limits. This represents a distinct shift toward component degradation compared to the clean pass recorded in September 2024, indicating that rubber and elastomer items across the chassis are now reaching an age-related service threshold. Accumulating roughly 5,929 miles per year across its decade on the road, this low-mileage profile sits well below the national average for a modern family crossover. Rather than indicating long periods of statutory off-road storage, this consistent usage pattern points to regular, short-distance trips which typically place higher demands on suspension joints, exhaust systems, and friction brakes due to frequent stop-start urban cycles and incomplete thermal warm-up cycles. On the test drive, prospective buyers must carefully evaluate the front suspension and steering assembly by listening for knocking or clunking noises over speed humps and rough road surfaces, which would confirm excessive play in the worn lower ball joints or track rod ends flagged on the last test. Pay close attention to straight-line tracking and steering wheel feedback, as deteriorated rubber bushes on the rear beam axle can manifest as a slight rear-end steer or vagueness during high-speed lane changes and cornering maneuvers. Braking performance also warrants close scrutiny given the 2023 advisory noting rear brake pads wearing thin and imbalanced braking metrics where requirements were only just met. Although the 2024 test recorded no defects, the subsequent 2025 advisories regarding low front tread depth mean buyers should budget for immediate tyre replacement and inspect the rear discs and pads for scoring, uneven friction material wear, or binding calipers that could compromise stopping efficiency.