2015 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · BU15 AAJ

The Nissan Note has maintained a consistent pass rate across its last five MOT tests, with the most recent January 2026 inspection at 28,875 miles revealing only minor but actionable wear: a noisy nearside front wheel bearing and worn front lower suspension arm bushes. While these are classified as advisories rather than failures, their recurrence—particularly the suspension components—suggests deferred maintenance rather than outright neglect. The absence of any major defects or structural concerns in earlier tests, including the clean 2023 and 2022 results, indicates the vehicle’s core systems have remained stable. However, the presence of advisories in consecutive years implies the previous owner either delayed addressing them or prioritised cosmetic upkeep over mechanical checks. The car’s mileage of 28,875 over 11 years—averaging just 2,625 miles annually—is unusually low for its age, raising questions about its usage history. The gaps between tests are standard (roughly yearly), but the slow accumulation of miles could point to periods of disuse or very light urban driving. Notably, the mileage increments between tests are modest: just 1,711 miles from February 2025 to January 2026, and 2,107 miles from February 2024 to February 2025. This pattern might reflect a secondary or occasional-use vehicle, which could explain why wear on high-stress components like brakes and suspension has been gradual rather than aggressive. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension and wheel bearing advisories demand immediate attention. The worn lower suspension arm bushes and noisy wheel bearing—both flagged in January 2026—could worsen if ignored, potentially leading to uneven tyre wear or steering instability. The front brake discs and pads, while not yet at failure point, were already thinning and pitted by February 2025, suggesting they may need replacement sooner rather than later. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should verify the condition of these components, along with checking for any hidden corrosion in the wheel arches or underbody, given the car’s age. The absence of structural defects in prior tests is reassuring, but the slow mileage accumulation means some internal wear—such as fluid leaks or minor drivetrain fatigue—might have been overlooked.