2007 Nissan Elgrand 2.5L Petrol · WM56 UAL

A clear pattern of brake and suspension wear is emerging across the MOT history of this 19-year-old Nissan Elgrand, with each test from 2022 onwards flagging front and rear brake pad wear, and the 2023 examination identifying play in both front lower suspension arm rear bushes alongside front tyre wear. The vehicle continues to pass every annual assessment, most recently on 21 October 2025, and there have been no recorded failures or dangerous defects at any point in its testing life, but the advisory items are following a steady downward trajectory rather than improving. The recurrence of thin brake pads across consecutive tests suggests the friction material is being consumed at a measurable rate, while the suspension arm advisories from 2023 indicate progressive bushing deterioration. Minor lighting defects on the registration plate lamp and rear position lamps have appeared intermittently since 2022, pointing to aged bulb holders or wiring connections rather than any structural concern. Overall the trend is one of an ageing vehicle still comfortably within legal limits but requiring closer inspection of consumable and chassis components at each renewal. With 110,333 miles recorded over approximately 19 years, this Elgrand has averaged around 5,807 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of its vintage and well below typical annual mileages for family transport. This conservative accumulation rate reduces wear on the engine, transmission and drivetrain internals compared with a high-mileage counterpart, and the absence of any gaps between consecutive annual tests indicates the vehicle has remained in active use throughout its recorded life rather than being laid up for extended periods. However, lower mileage does not insulate the chassis components from age-related degradation, as evidenced by the suspension bush advisories appearing even at this modest usage level. The wear pattern shown here is consistent with a vehicle that is driven regularly but over relatively short distances, where braking events are frequent relative to mileage covered and where suspension parts still oxidise and harden with time regardless of distance travelled. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front brake system, listening for any grinding or squealing on light application and checking for a spongy or low pedal, as the advisory history indicates pads have been running thin at each recent test. Inspect the front brake discs directly for a pronounced lip on the outer edge or visible scoring, since repeatedly running pads down to the advisory threshold accelerates surface deterioration of the discs. On the front suspension, listen for clonking or knocking noises when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for vagueness or tremor through the steering wheel, both of which would suggest the worn lower arm rear bushes flagged in 2023 have progressed to excessive movement. Jack the front end and check for free play by hand at each lower arm pivot, and visually inspect the bushes for cracking, splitting or delamination from their metal housings. Given the advisory history on front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, confirm that any replacement tyres fitted since 2023 are of matching size and load rating, and check for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear which can point to geometry issues stemming from the worn suspension components. Beyond the flagged items, conduct a thorough walkaround for any corrosion, particularly along the lower sills, wheel arches, subframe mounting points and around the rear suspension turrets, as corrosion advisories are notably absent from the record to date but are a known concern on Elgrands of this generation. Inspect the underside thoroughly for any oil seepage from the engine or transmission, weeping from the power steering rack, and the condition of the brake lines and fuel lines for surface rust or stiffness. On the test drive, pay attention to the CV joints for any clicking on full lock, listen for any rumble or drone from the wheel bearings, and check for pulling to one side under braking which would indicate a binding caliper. Finally, verify the operation of all exterior lighting including the registration plate illumination and rear position lamp clusters, as these minor defects have recurred across multiple tests and may simply require new bulb holders or a clean earth connection to resolve permanently.