2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · YA12 RXT

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2012 Nissan Qashqai, dated 7 April 2026, resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded. However, a review of the broader history shows an unusual pattern at the most recent test date, with both a fail and a pass recorded on the same day alongside a subsequent pass. Failures recorded without any defect detail often relate to administrative or procedural issues, but it is worth confirming with the seller or DVSA whether any rectification work was carried out and retested on the same day. Despite this, the surrounding tests at the previous year and the overall trajectory show the vehicle passing its annual roadworthiness assessment, suggesting a broadly stable maintenance pattern rather than any worsening trend in core safety components. With recorded mileage of 111,495 against a vehicle age of approximately 14 years, this Qashqai covers around 7,964 miles per year, which is a fairly typical usage profile for a car of this generation. This kind of consistent mileage generally indicates regular use, which is positive in terms of preventing long-term standing issues such as seized brakes, dried seals, and flat-spotted tyres. However, 14 years and over 110,000 miles places considerable wear on mechanical consumables and moving parts, particularly suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, clutch assemblies, and dual-mass flywheel components on manual variants. Routine servicing history should be scrutinised carefully, and a continuous record of cambelt and water pump replacement is essential on the 1.5 and 1.6 dCi engines commonly fitted to this model. Given the clean MOT record and absence of specific advisories, a prospective buyer should still carry out a number of age-and-mileage-appropriate physical checks. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on a vehicle of this age regardless of remaining tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for any significant corrosion or lipping, and confirm the calipers are releasing freely, as binding calipers are a known issue on higher-mileage Qashqais. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as battery degradation over a 14-year period can lead to intermittent electrical faults and ECU voltage issues, particularly with the stop-start system if equipped. Attention should also be paid to time-based servicing items that do not appear on the MOT but are critical at this age. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid where applicable degrade over calendar years rather than mileage, and these should have been replaced according to schedule. Check for any signs of oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and around the turbocharger oil feed on diesel variants, and inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and suspension turrets, where the Qashqai can be prone to surface rust. On the test drive, listen for suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, any whining from the drivetrain, and irregular brake feel, while verifying smooth operation of the air conditioning and the CVT gearbox where fitted, as the latter is a known weak point if the fluid has not been changed at the recommended intervals.