2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · WD16 FML

The most recent MOT inspection on 16 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle shows a concerning trend of increasing advisories regarding suspension and tyre degradation. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent passing record since 2020, the transition from no defects in 2025 to multiple structural and consumable advisories in 2026 suggests that maintenance is beginning to lag behind natural wear. The progression from brake disc advisories in previous years to current suspension component issues indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where more significant mechanical attention will be required to maintain roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 63,241 over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,300 miles per year. This is relatively low usage for a Nissan Qashqai, which often suggests shorter, urban journeys or periods of the vehicle standing idle. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can lead to specific issues such as accelerated rubber perishing and corrosion due to lack of regular high-speed running. The mileage is consistent with the age, but the low annual accumulation means the mechanical components have been subjected to more time-based degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the recent advisories concerning the front suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides. These components are critical for steering precision and ride comfort; you should listen for dull clunking or knocking noises when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and check for any wandering or imprecise steering feel. Furthermore, the advisory regarding corrosion on both rear Macpherson struts is a significant point of concern. While not yet classified as a structural failure, corrosion on strut housings can lead to sudden fracture or failure. During a test drive, be alert for any unusual vibrations or pulling to one side, and visually inspect the rear suspension area for heavy scaling or deep pitting that might suggest the corrosion is advancing more rapidly than recorded. The recurring advisories regarding tyre condition, specifically mentioning cracking and perishing on the rear tyres, indicate that the rubber is aging and losing its structural integrity due to UV exposure and time rather than tread wear. Even if the tread appears deep, perishing can lead to sudden sidewall failure. You should inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking and ensure they are not excessively aged. Additionally, given the history of pitted and scored brake discs, you should check for any brake shudder or pulsation during deceleration, which would indicate uneven disc surfaces or sticking calipers. Finally, because the vehicle has seen relatively low annual mileage, verify that the service history includes regular oil and fluid changes based on time intervals rather than just mileage to ensure the engine and braking systems have been properly protected against moisture and oxidation.