2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · YP63 MMF

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 December 2025 initially resulted in a fail with five major defects, but a re-test on the same date was recorded as a pass, albeit with three advisories. The majors that were rectified on the day centred on both front position lamps being inoperative and the ingress-preventing dust covers on all three steering and anti-roll bar ball joints being compromised. A pattern of steering and suspension wear is clearly developing: in 2022 the nearside front track rod end failed outright on excessive play, in 2024 play in the steering rack inner joint was noted and the rear suspension arms were flagged for surface corrosion, and now in late 2025 every flexible dust cover on the front steering and anti-roll bar linkage has deteriorated. The overall trajectory is one of gradually worsening front-end wear, with advisories accumulating over consecutive tests rather than being resolved at source, suggesting that consumable steering and suspension components have been left to age rather than being replaced proactively. The recorded mileage of 90,657 miles over roughly twelve years equates to an annual average of around 7,555 miles, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this vintage and points to consistent rather than neglected use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the vehicle has been laid up for long periods, which is positive in terms of avoiding standing-related corrosion, seized calipers and perished rubber, but the mileage is high enough that major service items such as the timing chain, dual mass flywheel if manual, and original clutch or automatic gearbox fluid may already be due or overdue. The brakes have also done substantial work, as evidenced by pitted and scored front discs flagged in 2023, so it is reasonable to assume further wear on pads, discs and caliper mechanisms since that advisory was raised. The recurring advisories on front tyres wearing on the edge over consecutive tests is a clear symptom of misalignment, worn suspension bushes or deteriorated anti-roll bar components, all of which now have supporting evidence in the latest MOT. A prospective buyer should carry out a thorough test drive listening for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate tired track rod ends, droplinks or top mount bearings. Steering should be checked for vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or a knocking sensation when turning at low speed, and the front tyres should be inspected for inner-edge wear that is characteristic of worn suspension geometry. The 2024 advisory for play in the steering rack inner joint is particularly significant as it points to wear inside the rack itself, which if progressed would manifest as a loose or wandering front end and would ultimately require rack replacement. Beyond the steering and suspension concerns, attention should be paid to the rear suspension arms that were noted as corroded in 2024, as surface corrosion on a twelve-year-old Qashqai can advance into structural weakening, particularly around mounting points and subframe attachments. The brake system warrants a visual inspection of disc condition, pad material thickness, and caliper slider operation, especially given the recorded front disc wear in 2023 and the higher-than-average mileage. Tyre condition should be scrutinised for sidewall cracking and perishing, as two advisories on this exact issue have appeared in the last five years, and any tyre older than five years from its DOT date stamp should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Finally, although no MOT defects touch on the engine or transmission, a buyer should verify the timing chain or belt service interval, request evidence of recent brake fluid, coolant and automatic transmission fluid changes if applicable, check the 12V battery health as it is now twelve years old and likely near the end of its service life, and confirm the full service history with stamps matching the recorded mileage progression to satisfy themselves that the mechanical condition is consistent with the odometer reading.