2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · X333 ACC

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 December 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most positive outcome possible and suggests that any previously flagged concerns have been addressed by the current keeper. However, a closer reading of the 2024 results indicates that this clean status follows a period of escalating front suspension wear and a significant rear brake issue. On 9 December 2024 the vehicle failed with a dangerous defect for rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by a major finding for an excessively worn nose side front lower suspension arm pin or bush, and an advisory for thinning front pads. The re-test the following day passed, but with advisories still logged for the bonnet stay rod and a worn offside front lower arm pin or bush, alongside a minor for a damaged offside front side repeater lens. This pattern indicates that the maintenance situation was actively deteriorating through 2023 and 2024 before stabilising into the clean 2025 pass, so a prospective buyer should treat the latest result as evidence of recent remedial work rather than a guarantee of underlying mechanical soundness. The recorded mileage of 68,754 miles on an eleven year old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 6,250 miles, which is broadly typical for a Qashqai of this generation and points to steady, moderate use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high wear. Mileage accumulation between tests has been incremental and consistent, with no abrupt jumps that would suggest a clock discrepancy or major touring mileage between MOTs. As the odometer crosses into the upper sixth decade of its life, even at this average rate, attention should be focused on wear-related items such as suspension consumables, braking hardware, tyres, drivetrain mounts and exhaust mounting rubbers, all of which accumulate fatigue irrespective of the actual miles covered. In terms of physical inspection, the front suspension is the primary area warranting close scrutiny given the recurring advisories on both the offside and nearside lower arm pins or bushes across the 2023 and 2024 tests, culminating in a major failure on the nearside. The worn bushes were observed to be starting to lift, and although the most recent test was clean, these components typically continue to deteriorate progressively. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when applying steering lock at low speed, and feel for imprecise turn-in, vagueness around the straight-ahead position, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, particularly inner-edge feathering which commonly accompanies worn lower arm bushes. Lift the bonnet and check for any looseness when manually rocking the arms, and inspect the rear brake calipers and pads for the condition of the discs, as the pads were noted as dangerously thin just under two years ago and disc condition on a Qashqai of this age warrants verification even if it was not flagged. Beyond the suspension, several age-related checks should be carried out irrespective of the clean MOT. The bonnet stay rod has been flagged as broken or insecure across three consecutive tests from 2023 to 2024, which is a simple but easily remedied item, yet worth confirming has been replaced. Inspect all four tyres for age-related perishing or cracking of the sidewalls, as rubber degrades with time even with adequate tread, and check the production date markings on the sidewalls. Verify the age and condition of the 12 volt battery, as units over five years old in a vehicle of this vintage are at increased risk of cold-start failure. Examine the brake discs for any lipping or corrosion, as the vehicle has only covered around 6,250 miles annually, and confirm that the brake caliper slides are free, since light use combined with the UK climate encourages binding and surface corrosion. Finally, ensure that all fluid services, particularly brake fluid, coolant and automatic transmission fluid where applicable, have been carried out on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals, given the relatively modest annual use of this particular example.