2006 Nissan Murano 3.5L Petrol · YA55 LWL

The 2006 Nissan Murano was last presented for MOT on 14 October 2023, where it achieved an overall pass; however, the same date also shows a recorded fail entry, indicating that the vehicle was initially presented with defects that were addressed or contested and then resubmitted to a pass on the same day. The most recent test carries several advisories that warrant careful attention, namely rear sub-frame corrosion (noted as not significantly reducing structural rigidity at that point), light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber, play in the steering rack inner joint, a minor front exhaust gas leak, and a child seat restricting inspection of the nearside rear adult belt. Looking at the broader trend, the 2022 test also flagged exhaust leaks and corrosion in the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting areas, while the 2021 test raised concerns regarding rear tyre wear, front tyre damage and perishing, headlamp lens degradation, and a severely deteriorated nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover. The recurring appearance of corrosion advisories on the rear sub-frame and suspension mountings, alongside steering and suspension component wear, suggests a slowly worsening rather than improving maintenance profile, consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage operating in conditions that promote underbody corrosion. The recorded mileage of 151,903 miles over an approximate twenty-year service life equates to a yearly average of around 7,595 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, although the distribution of miles is not uniform across the recorded tests. The MOT history shows entries in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021, with the most recent tests in 2022 and 2023, suggesting either significant standing periods between 2017 and 2021 or periods during which the vehicle was not tested. Such gaps can be symptomatic of either low usage or interrupted ownership records, and both scenarios carry mechanical implications; long standing periods accelerate brake disc surface corrosion, promote binding in callipers and handbrake mechanisms, and degrade tyre sidewall rubber through flex cracking even where tread depth remains adequate, while steady mileage accumulation tends to wear suspension bushes, drivetrain mounts, and CV joint gaiters more uniformly. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories on corrosion, suspension, steering, and exhaust demand a focused physical inspection and a discerning test drive. The rear sub-frame corrosion and the prescribed area corrosion noted on the rear suspension mountings in 2022 should be examined with the vehicle on a ramp where possible, paying particular attention to whether the corrosion remains surface-level or has begun to compromise the metal thickness around mounting points, as this directly affects structural integrity and future MOT outcomes. The steering rack inner joint play, combined with the historic failure of the nearside front steering rack gaiter in 2016, indicates that the steering system has been an area of ongoing attention; during a test drive, listen for clunks or knocking over uneven surfaces, particularly during full lock manoeuvres, and check for any excess free play or vagueness in the steering response. The front shock absorber oil misting suggests the damper seals are beginning to fail, which typically progresses to a visible leak and reduced damping efficiency, so the vehicle should be observed for excessive body roll through corners, prolonged nose dive under braking, or a harsh, unsettled ride over undulations. The exhaust flexi leak advisories from 2022 and 2023 indicate that the flexible sections of the exhaust system have degraded, a common issue on high-mileage vehicles, and a cold-start test should be conducted to listen for any ticking or hissing from the front exhaust area, along with a visual check for soot deposits around joints. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age- and mileage-related items merit verification regardless of MOT status. The 2021 advisory on rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and front tyres showing damage or perishing indicates that tyre condition has historically been a borderline area, so all four tyres plus the spare should be inspected for tread depth, even shoulder wear which may suggest alignment or suspension geometry issues, and sidewall cracking which is common on a twenty-year-old vehicle irrespective of mileage. Brake discs and callipers should be examined for signs of corrosion pitting, particularly on the rear where standing periods can cause the discs to corrode unevenly, leading to judder under braking; the handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds without excessive travel. Fluid conditions are also a concern on a vehicle of this age, with brake fluid being hygroscopic and typically requiring replacement every two to three years, while engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid should be checked for condition and service history stamps. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, particularly if the vehicle has stood for prolonged periods. Finally, the engine management light noted in 2017 should be confirmed as not currently illuminated, and a thorough inspection of the CV boots, driveshaft gaiters, and underbody condition from beneath the vehicle is recommended, along with verification of a complete service history to corroborate the substantial mileage recorded.