2011 Nissan NV200 1.5L Diesel · WJ11 NTT

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, although this was achieved only four days after a Fail on 11 December 2025 for major defects relating to insufficient windscreen washer fluid and an inoperative registration plate lamp. This rapid retest suggests the issues were rectified promptly, but it does point to a vehicle where minor but test-failing items were allowed to accumulate. Reviewing the sequence of tests over the past four years, the pattern is one of recurring advisories rather than outright failures, with several issues appearing repeatedly across multiple examinations. The headlights have carried product contamination advisories on at least five separate occasions, the rear registration plate deterioration has been flagged twice, and suspension arm bushes on the front lower arms have been noted as worn on both nearside and offside across multiple tests. This is indicative of a maintenance profile that is steady but shows wear progression in specific areas, particularly the front suspension and braking components, rather than a vehicle that is deteriorating rapidly or improving. With 130,838 miles recorded over approximately fifteen years, the average annual usage works out at roughly 8,723 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a commercial light van of this age and type. The MOT entries show mileage progression from the early 2022 tests through to the most recent 2025 examination, indicating the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods. For a working van of this vintage and mileage, this level of use tends to produce consistent wear on mechanical consumables rather than the calendar-based degradation often seen on low-mileage or stored vehicles, although the van has now reached a stage where major drivetrain components such as the clutch, timing chain, and turbocharger, where fitted, deserve close attention regardless of the mileage pattern. The advisories and defects recorded warrant careful scrutiny during any physical inspection and test drive. The Dangerous failure recorded in January 2024 for offside front brake pads being less than 1.5 mm thick, combined with earlier advisories for offside front pads wearing thin and the offside front inner brake disc being pitted, indicates that the front braking components have been a known service item. On a test drive, listen for brake shudder under heavy application, which would confirm disc distortion, and check for pulling to one side suggesting uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. The recurring front suspension arm bush wear, particularly the rear bushes on both lower arms, should be evaluated by rocking each front wheel at the nine and three o clock positions to detect play, and by listening for clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces, particularly when braking or turning. The engine oil leak noted in January 2024 should be inspected for fresh seepage on the engine block and sump, and the lower engine and gearbox mount bushing wear flagged in January 2025 warrants a check for excessive drivetrain movement under acceleration and over-run, which can present as a clunk when selecting drive or reverse. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, prospective buyers should also carry out checks beyond those listed in the MOT history. The nearside headlamp lens product contamination noted on multiple occasions should be assessed for whether it can be polished out or whether the lens is hazed to the point of significantly reducing light output, particularly given the importance of good lighting on a working van. Inspect all tyres, including the spare which has twice been noted as deflated, for age-related perishing and cracking on the sidewalls, as fifteen-year-old tyres can degrade regardless of tread remaining. Check the 12 volt battery health, as van usage with frequent short runs is hard on batteries, and verify the timing of the most recent cambelt and water pump replacement if chainchain is not fitted, as this is a critical service item on a vehicle of this age. Inspect the underside for corrosion on suspension components, the exhaust system, and structural areas, paying particular attention to the leaf spring rear bushes flagged in 2024. Finally, confirm that all regular fluid services including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil have been carried out at the correct intervals, as calendar-based degradation of these fluids is just as relevant as mileage-based wear on a vehicle that has now entered the latter stages of its operational life.