2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · WN66 CWF

The 2016 Nissan Qashqai’s latest MOT test on 2026-08-25 resulted in a clean pass, marking the most recent evaluation without any recorded defects. However, the vehicle’s maintenance history reveals a pattern of advisories rather than outright failures, with the most recent advisory from 2025-10-15 pertaining to a corroded near-side rear coil spring. This suggests a gradual wear progression in the suspension system, particularly on the rear left side, which could indicate underlying issues such as poor lubrication, prolonged exposure to moisture, or fatigue in the spring’s mounting points. The absence of failures in the intervening years implies that while the corrosion is a concern, it has not yet reached a critical stage that would compromise roadworthiness, but it warrants monitoring for progression. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 85,872 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,587 miles per year, which is consistent with typical long-term ownership patterns for a car of this age. This level of mileage does not suggest excessive wear beyond what is expected for a 10-year-old vehicle, but it does imply that the car has accumulated considerable usage over its lifetime. The absence of significant mileage gaps or rapid accumulation suggests either steady use or periods of storage, though prolonged idling or infrequent driving could have contributed to minor wear in components like seals, gaskets, and fluids. The suspension advisories, particularly the coil spring corrosion, may have been exacerbated by such conditions, so any extended periods of non-use should be factored into the vehicle’s condition. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination include the rear suspension components, especially the near-side rear coil spring and its mounting points, as the 2025 advisory indicates ongoing corrosion. Visually check for signs of rust or pitting along the spring’s length and at the attachment points to the subframe or control arm, and listen for unusual noises during cornering or bouncing, which could indicate spring failure or bush wear. The rear tyres, which were noted for tread cuts and perishing in 2023, should be thoroughly inspected for sidewall damage, which can lead to blowouts if ignored. Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot in the rubber, as these can compromise tyre integrity and safety. Additionally, the front tyres, which were worn to 3mm tread depth in 2019, should be checked for uneven wear patterns, which may signal alignment or suspension issues. Beyond the mechanical checks, the vehicle’s age and mileage make it prudent to verify several time-sensitive maintenance items. Given the Qashqai’s age, the 12-volt battery should be tested for charge retention and physical condition, as older batteries often fail due to sulphation or internal corrosion, leading to starting difficulties or electrical system failures. The brake system should be inspected for signs of corrosion on discs and linings, particularly on the near-side rear where the spring advisory was recorded, as standing brakes can cause rust buildup. Fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and differential/transmission fluid, should be checked for contamination or degradation, as fluids break down over time and can lead to premature wear or system failures. Finally, the service history should be reviewed for any recorded intervals for oil changes, suspension component replacements, and fluid flushes, as these are critical for maintaining long-term reliability. If the service book is incomplete, a thorough inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage for signs of oil leaks or fluid spills is essential, as these can indicate failing seals or gaskets that may require immediate attention.