2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · YA67 YDP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 December 2025, was a pass but it was accompanied by a number of advisories concerning front‑wheel tyre tread depth, front brake disc condition, the rear registration plate and slight play in the nearside front track‑rod end. Over the preceding three years the vehicle has shown a mixed record, with two outright failures in 2023 and 2024 and a series of recurring advisories on suspension arm bushes, ball‑joint wear and tyre perishing. While the latest test indicates that the vehicle now meets the statutory safety requirements, the persistence of similar items across several tests suggests that the underlying wear has not been fully addressed and that the maintenance trend is stabilising rather than markedly improving. At 64 285 mi the Qashqai averages roughly 7 100 mi per year, which is typical for a nine‑year‑old family SUV. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage record that would imply long periods of storage, nor is there evidence of high‑speed, high‑mileage abuse. Consequently the wear observed on the suspension and braking components is more likely to be a function of age and normal use rather than accelerated mileage accumulation, although the relatively modest annual distance does mean that some consumables may have been replaced later than ideal. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the front suspension and steering assembly. The repeated advisories about suspension arm pins or bushes and ball‑joint play mean that the vehicle may develop clunking noises over bumps, a vague wandering feel when cornering, or uneven tyre wear if the geometry is out of adjustment. On a test drive listen for any metallic knock from the wheel wells, feel for any looseness in the steering wheel, and inspect the tyre tread for irregular wear patterns that could confirm alignment or ball‑joint issues. The front brake discs were noted as pitted and scored, and the outer pads were reported thin in 2021; check for brake shudder, pulsation on firm application, or a raised pedal, and consider measuring disc thickness and pad depth. The engine management light that caused a failure in December 2023 should be scanned for stored fault codes, and the windscreen washer pump must be verified as operational, as a non‑functioning washer can be a safety concern in wet UK conditions. Given the vehicle’s age, time‑related deterioration should also be examined. The tyres, especially the off‑side rear and nearside front, have shown early signs of perishing; inspect the sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges regardless of tread depth. Verify the condition of the battery, as a nine‑year‑old unit may have reduced cranking power and could benefit from a load test. Check for any corrosion on the chassis, particularly around the rear brake discs and suspension mounting points, which can arise from prolonged standing. Finally, confirm that the service history includes regular oil and coolant changes, as fluids degrade over calendar time even when mileage is modest, and ensure that any pending suspension or brake work identified in the MOT advisories is scheduled for remedial action before the next service interval.