2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · YF12 PFK

The most recent MOT on 20 April 2026 was a pass, but it was accompanied by a suite of advisories and minor defects covering the front lower suspension arm ball joint, the CV joint boot, brake disc condition and rear brake pad wear. Over the past three years the vehicle has moved from a series of dangerous failures in mid‑2023 (severe tyre tread loss, multiple lamp failures and a front headlamp fault) to a clean pass in early 2025 after remedial work, and now to a pass with only advisory items. This indicates a clear improvement in the immediate safety status, yet the persistence of wear‑related advisories suggests that the underlying condition is still marginal and requires close monitoring. At 173 423 miles the Qashqai has logged roughly 12 400 miles per annum, which is well above the typical UK average of 7‑8 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. The high annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine components, and it also raises the likelihood of internal corrosion in the drivetrain and exhaust system. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying continuous use rather than long periods of storage, so age‑related degradation of rubber components and fluid breakdown are also likely factors. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The recurring “slight play” noted on the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage and track‑rod ends will manifest as a loose or vague steering feel, occasional clunking when turning over bumps, and uneven tyre wear. A thorough visual inspection of the ball joints, bushings and anti‑roll bar mounts for torn dust boots, corrosion or excessive movement is essential, and a test‑drive should include slow‑speed cornering and a gentle lift over a speed‑bump to feel for any knock. The CV joint boot on the nearside front inner drive shaft is severely deteriorated, so the buyer must check for grease leakage or splatter on the wheel rim and listen for a clicking or whirring noise on acceleration, which would indicate imminent joint failure. Brake discs were flagged as pitted and the rear pads are already thin; the buyer should inspect the disc surfaces for scoring, measure pad thickness, and be prepared for possible disc replacement or pad fitting within the next few thousand miles. Given the vehicle’s age, the tyre condition should be reassessed even though the MOT noted rear tyres close to the legal limit and front tyres were previously below 1.6 mm. Look for sidewall cracking, dry rot and uneven tread patterns that can develop from prolonged exposure to heat and ozone. The battery, now over fourteen years old, is likely nearing the end of its service life and should be load‑tested. All fluids—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—should be sampled for colour and particulate contamination, as calendar‑based degradation is common in vehicles that have been driven heavily. Finally, inspect the rear coil spring for corrosion, verify that all external lamps operate correctly, and confirm that the service history shows regular oil changes and any major service intervals; these checks will give a clearer picture of the car’s overall mechanical health and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.