2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · YA11 AAZ

The most recent MOT on 5 January 2026 was passed, but it carried several advisories – notably thin front brake pads, severely deteriorated dust‑covers on the front suspension arms and worn front suspension arm pins and bushes. Over the last four years the pattern shows an accumulation of similar items: recurring CV‑boot degradation, anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint play, brake‑pad wear and corrosion of the rear coil springs, together with a failure in 2025 when the same CV‑boot and dust‑cover faults were flagged as minors. The maintenance trend is therefore clearly worsening rather than stabilising, with multiple components approaching the point where they will likely be rejected at the next test if not addressed. At 113,290 miles the Qashqai averages roughly 7,500 miles per year, which is typical for a fifteen‑year‑old family SUV. The mileage does not suggest any periods of extreme abuse, but the relatively modest annual run‑off combined with the age means many wear items are more calendar‑driven than distance‑driven. Consequently, rubber components such as boots, bushings and tyre sidewalls may have deteriorated from age as much as from use, while metal parts like coil springs and suspension arms are susceptible to corrosion that can progress even with low mileage. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front drive‑shaft CV joint on the off‑side; inspect the boot for cracks, grease leakage or splatter on the surrounding hub and listen for a clicking or whine when the vehicle is driven at low speed and the steering is turned. The front suspension arm dust‑covers and the associated ball‑joint pins and bushes should be examined for excessive play or torn rubber, as these can produce clunking noises over bumps and may affect steering precision. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball‑joint on both sides shows slight play, so a firm push on each corner of the chassis should not produce noticeable movement; any looseness may require a new ball‑joint. Both front and rear brake pads are reported as thin, so the buyer should expect that a full pad set replacement and possibly a disc resurfacing or replacement will be needed within the next few thousand miles. The tyres were already close to the legal tread limit at the last test, so fresh tyres of matching size and load rating will be essential for safety and to pass the next MOT. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s age warrants a thorough check of time‑sensitive items: verify the condition of the 12 V battery (cold‑cranking amps and any swelling), confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals, and look for any signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body that could indicate prolonged standing. The service book should be inspected for regular oil changes, filter replacements and any recorded corrective actions on the suspension or steering components. Ensuring that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking or perishing, that the brake discs are not scored or excessively corroded, and that the steering rack operates smoothly without binding will give a realistic picture of the Qashqai’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it back to a fully compliant state.