2008 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · NU58 AAX

A 2008 Nissan Note carrying 167,620 miles presents a roadworthiness profile that is difficult to assess with confidence, because the official DVSA test record contains no defect entries whatsoever. Across the documented tests, including the most recent attempts on 30 May 2024, every outcome is recorded as either a pass or a fail with no advisories, no component notes, and no corrosion references listed. While a defect-free pass would normally indicate sound mechanical condition, the complete absence of any advisory entries on a vehicle of this age and mileage is unusual, as most cars of similar vintage typically accumulate at least minor observations relating to wear items such as bushes, brake components, or underbody corrosion. The presence of paired pass and fail entries on the same dates in both 2023 and 2024 suggests that initial failures were rectified and the vehicles were presented for re-test on the same day, although the specific reasons for those failures were not captured or retained on the official record. The overall trend cannot be characterised as improving, worsening, or stable in component terms, as there is simply no recorded evidence to evaluate. The recorded mileage of 167,620 miles across approximately 18 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 9,300 miles, which sits within the typical usage band for a car of this age. The mileage progression between recorded tests appears broadly consistent, with no sudden large jumps or extended gaps that would imply an off-road period or an odometer discontinuity within the documented data. There is, however, a notable gap between the 2022 test and the 2023/2024 entries, and the MOT history only covers the most recent three years, leaving the earlier life of the vehicle unverified by official test data. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage on a seventeen to eighteen year old Nissan Note means that consumables such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, and suspension components have almost certainly been replaced multiple times, even though none of those replacements are reflected in the MOT record. Higher-mileage Nissan Notes of this generation are also known for wear in the rear brake drum mechanisms, front suspension top mounts, and anti-roll bar linkages. Given the complete absence of recorded advisories, any prospective buyer must base their judgement primarily on a physical inspection rather than the MOT history alone. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the behaviour of the steering and front suspension, listening for clonks or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn wishbone bushes, drop links, or top mount bearings on a high-mileage Nissan Note. The brake pedal should be tested for firmness and consistent response, and the vehicle should be brought to a stop from moderate speed to check for any pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel, which could point to worn front brake discs or a binding caliper. A visual inspection of the underside, ideally with the vehicle raised, is essential to identify any corrosion on the rear axle, subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and suspension arms, as MOT advisories would normally flag these areas on a car of this age but none have been recorded. Additional checks should focus on the cooling system and automatic transmission behaviour if fitted, as high-mileage Nissan Notes are known to suffer from coolant leaks around the thermostat housing and occasional torque converter or CVT issues depending on variant. The engine should be observed from cold start for any excessive smoke from the exhaust, unusual ticking noises, or illumination of warning lights on the dashboard. All fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, should be inspected for condition and correct level. Because the MOT record provides no insight into component condition beyond a pass or fail outcome, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage, combined with a thorough road test focusing on the symptoms described above, is strongly advisable before committing to purchase.