2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · WN11 PCY

The most recent MOT on 6 March 2026 was a pass, but it carried an advisory that the rear tyres are beginning to perish. This follows a failed test just three days earlier where the supplementary restraint system warning lamp was recorded as a major fault, and a series of major mechanical defects were noted in the 2025‑02‑18 failure. The pattern shows that serious issues have been identified and apparently remedied to achieve the latest pass, yet the persistence of tyre‑related advisories and the recent SRS warning suggest that the vehicle’s maintenance record is mixed – recent repairs have improved the status, but underlying problems remain unresolved. At 93,098 mi the Qashqai has logged roughly 6,200 mi per year over its fifteen‑year life, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme high‑speed use, but the relatively modest annual average also hints that the car may have spent considerable time stationary. Prolonged standing can accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake discs or suspension components, so the age‑to‑mileage ratio alone does not guarantee low wear. A prospective buyer should give the tyre set the highest priority. Both front tyres were flagged as being close to the legal tread limit and the rear tyres are described as perishing, while a nail was recorded in the off‑side rear tyre. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, dry rot, and any embedded foreign objects; replacement of the entire set is advisable rather than mixing new and old tyres. While on the road, listen for any thumping or vibration that may indicate uneven wear or a damaged wheel, and feel for a loose or wandering steering feel that could betray worn track‑rod ends or anti‑roll‑bar linkages. The 2025‑02‑18 MOT highlighted excessive play in the nearside track‑rod ball joint and wear in the off‑side anti‑roll‑bar joint; these should be checked for free movement when the wheel is rocked and for any clunking when cornering. The front outer drive‑shaft CV boot was recorded as split, so examine the boot for cracks, grease leakage and any clicking from CV joint wear, especially under acceleration and deceleration. The SRS warning lamp that caused the March 2026 failure must be verified as fully functional; a fault here can indicate a problem with the airbag control unit, sensor wiring or the inflator itself, and the lamp should remain extinguished after any repair. Inspect the front lower suspension arm bushes for looseness or cracking, as worn bushes can lead to camber change and uneven tyre wear. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness and even wear. Given the vehicle’s age, a load test of the 12 V battery, a check of coolant, brake and gearbox fluid condition, and confirmation that the service book shows timely oil changes are prudent. A thorough test drive should reveal any shudder on braking, vibration through the steering column, or abnormal noises from the suspension, all of which would point to the previously flagged components needing attention before purchase.