2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · WV16 UAD

The 2016 Nissan Qashqai presents a mixed mechanical picture following its most recent MOT on 17 March 2026 at 40,578 miles. That pass was achieved, yet the preceding failure on 11 March 2026 at 40,500 miles reveals a maintenance trend that is neither clearly stable nor fully resolving. The tester flagged a fractured offside rear coil spring, worn front brake pads and scored front discs, and split lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both front corners during the failed test. These were rectified before the retest seven days later, but the recurrence of suspension ball joint dust cover deterioration stretching back to March 2024 suggests long-term neglect of underbody component condition. The persistent oil leak noted around the crank seal in both March 2026 tests, classified as not excessive, remains an active concern that warrants monitoring. At roughly 4,058 miles per year over ten years, this is a notably low-mileage vehicle. The MOT record confirms this pattern with a steady but modest accumulation from 27,850 miles in March 2023 to 31,723 miles in March 2024, then 35,584 miles in March 2025, and finally 40,500 miles by March 2026. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer, which implies consistent light use rather than long periods of inactivity. Low annual mileage does, however, mean components such as rubber suspension bushes, brake seals, and flexible hoses may have aged through time and environmental exposure rather than through mechanical cycling, which is precisely what the repeated ball joint dust cover advisories indicate. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should prioritise the front suspension and braking system. The repeated failure of both nearside and offside lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers, first flagged in March 2024 and again in March 2026, points to degraded rubber protection that, if left unaddressed, allows dirt ingress and accelerates ball joint wear. The front brake pads and discs were worn and scored at the March 2026 failure, so checking the remaining thickness and surface condition of both is essential. The fractured offside rear coil spring was replaced before the retest, but the condition of the spring seating points and the nearside rear spring should be examined for early signs of cracking or corrosion. The active crank seal oil leak, though minor at the time of testing, should be inspected for any increase in seepage around the bell housing and engine block interface. Beyond the flagged items, the nearside rear child seat obstruction noted in both March 2026 tests prevented a full inspection of the adult seatbelt, so a buyer must verify the belt retracts, locks, and shows no fraying once the child seat is removed. The rear wiper blade was split at both March 2026 visits and the nearside front tyre was worn to 3mm, close to the legal limit, indicating basic consumable upkeep has been deferred. These are minor items individually, but collectively they suggest a pattern of reactive rather than preventive maintenance that a buyer should factor into their assessment of the vehicle's overall care.