2012 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · CE12 AAX

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 September 2025 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is an encouraging outcome and represents a clean bill of roadworthiness at the point of test. Looking at the broader pattern across the four recorded tests, the trajectory shows a clear worsening followed by improvement. The 2022 pass was entirely clean, the 2023 test introduced several advisories relating to tyre condition and rear coil spring corrosion, and the September 2024 test then produced a failure with major defects concerning the offside front coil spring and nearside front lower suspension arm front bush. That failure was clearly addressed, as the subsequent retest later the same month returned a pass, with the previous advisories carried forward, and the 2025 test is once again entirely clean. The return to a defect-free record after significant suspension component replacement suggests the remedial work has held, although the rapid reappearance of wear items within twelve months does merit ongoing attention from a buyer. Recorded mileage stands at 65,292 miles across approximately fourteen years of service, equating to an annual average of around 4,664 miles. This figure is notably low for a vehicle of this age and points towards either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components but introduces a separate set of age-related concerns, particularly where vehicles have spent long periods stationary. The recorded mileage progression between tests appears consistent with this gentle usage profile rather than indicating any rapid accumulation, and there is no evidence of significant gaps or sudden jumps that might warrant suspicion regarding the odometer reading. The historical suspension defects are the most significant area for buyer scrutiny. A fractured offside front coil spring and an excessively worn front bush on the nearside front suspension arm were replaced prior to the September 2024 retest, but coil spring failure on a relatively low-mileage vehicle can indicate localised corrosion weakening rather than simple fatigue, and it is worth asking whether the replacement components were of equivalent OEM quality. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or during sharp direction changes, and feel for vagueness or imprecise steering response. Examine the tyres closely, as edge wear on both front and rear items was flagged repeatedly across 2023 and 2024. Edge wear often points to suspension geometry issues such as worn bushes, weak springs, or tracking misalignment, so a four-wheel alignment check would be prudent, and the new tyres fitted should be inspected for even wear across their full tread width after a few hundred miles. Beyond the documented history, a prospective buyer should anticipate several age-related service items typical of a fourteen-year-old Nissan regardless of mileage. Check all four tyres carefully for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate, and the repeated advisories on the nearside rear tyre suggest this has already been an issue. Inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion, particularly on the rear axle where calipers can seize from infrequent use, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a slope. Cold starts may reveal a tired 12V battery, and it is sensible to confirm when the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid were last renewed, as these degrade over time rather than mileage. The advisory concerning a minor exhaust joint leak should also be visually inspected for any fresh soot deposits or audible ticking under load, as exhaust joints deteriorate with age and thermal cycling. Finally, verifying a complete service book history with regular stamps will help confirm that oil and filter changes have been performed at appropriate intervals despite the modest annual mileage.