2017 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · AK17 AAZ

The most recent MOT on 17 March 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories: a persistent oil leak that remains within acceptable limits and a severely deteriorated off‑side inner drive‑shaft constant‑velocity boot. Over the previous five years the vehicle has repeatedly shown the same oil‑leak advisory each March, while a tyre‑cut advisory appeared in 2023. The pattern indicates a maintenance trend that is stable in the sense that the vehicle remains road‑worthy, yet the recurrence of the oil leak and the new CV‑boot condition suggest a gradual deterioration that should be addressed before it escalates to a failure. At 45,068 mi the 2017 Nissan Note averages roughly 5,000 mi per year, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi annually. Such low mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The modest annual distance reduces wear on engine, transmission and brake wear items, but it also raises the likelihood of rubber perishing, battery sulfation and corrosion developing in suspension joints and brake hardware due to inactivity. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the recurring oil leak; locate its source by inspecting the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing and crankcase seals, and verify that oil levels are correct and that no oil is collecting on the under‑tray or on the ground after the car has been parked. The deteriorated CV boot should be examined for cracks, oil seepage and splintered material, and the joint should be turned by hand to feel for excessive play or clicking when the wheel is rotated, especially under load. The rear tyre that was noted with a cut in 2023 must be inspected for tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of progressing damage, as a hidden ply breach can lead to sudden deflation. During a test drive, listen for a rhythmic whine or clunk when steering, check for any vibration or shudder under acceleration, and feel for uneven tyre wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also perform age‑related checks: examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, as rubber can degrade even on lightly used tyres; inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, which can be exacerbated by long periods of standing. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and consider a load test, as batteries tend to lose capacity after several years of infrequent charging. Verify that brake discs are free of heavy surface rust and that the pads have adequate material, while ensuring the calipers move freely without binding. Finally, confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluid degradation is time‑dependent and can affect cooling, braking performance and gearbox reliability.