2007 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · BJ07 BKA

The 2007 Nissan Note presents a concerning pattern of recurring mechanical advisories spanning several years, with the most recent test on 2023-08-22 showing a mixed result of passing the main MOT while retaining minor concerns such as the offside headlamp lens and wheel arch liner fouling. Interleaved with these minor findings were persistent major failures including nearside stop lamp non-functionality, severely worn lower suspension arm bushings on both sides, and a cracked front coil spring that had already been documented as a serious structural weakness in late 2020. The vehicle's last two tests in 2023 both resulted in passes, though the 2023-08-21 failure remains a significant red flag given the proximity of the subsequent successful test. This oscillation between failing and passing assessments indicates intermittent maintenance rather than consistent upkeep, creating uncertainty about whether underlying systems have been adequately addressed since their initial breakdowns. The recorded mileage of 72,350 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 19 years yields an average annual accumulation of roughly 3,800 miles, which represents exceptionally light usage for its model year. While this figure appears low on paper, the distribution of MOT tests reveals irregular service intervals between the 2020 and early 2023 period, suggesting prolonged periods where the vehicle may have been inactive or stored. The concentration of major failures—particularly the rear coil spring corrosion noted in 2020 and the front coil spring fracture in mid-2020—occurred before the recent passing test, indicating that significant mechanical degradation was present even when the vehicle was still running. The combination of unusually low mileage coupled with documented structural weaknesses in the suspension and braking system raises questions about how the vehicle has been utilized and maintained over its lifetime. The recurrent reporting of excessively worn lower suspension arm pins and bushes across four separate MOT tests, combined with the identification of a fractured front coil spring in 2020-08-24, signals a fundamental issue with the vehicle's primary suspension architecture that requires immediate attention. During a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to how the car handles bumps and potholes, listening for any knocking sounds through the chassis that would indicate worn bush seals allowing metal-on-metal contact. The front coil spring, which suffered catastrophic failure in 2020, is particularly critical as it governs front axle deflection under load; if the spring feels soft, compressed unevenly, or exhibits visible cracks upon visual inspection, this could compromise ride comfort and handling stability significantly. Additionally, the nearside stop lamp failure, while less structurally consequential, warrants verification that both lamps function properly and illuminate evenly when activated. Corrosion of the exhaust mountings, first recorded in 2018 and again in 2020-08-26, alongside the documented rear coil spring corrosion throughout the late 2019 to 2020 period, points toward potential rust progression in areas exposed to road salt or wet conditions despite the low mileage figure. The presence of corroded exhaust mounting bolts suggests that the subframe may be compromised, potentially leading to vibration or noise during operation if the mounts detach entirely. When inspecting the vehicle, the buyer should examine the base of the exhaust system and the lower subframe for signs of flaking rust or penetrating paint, especially around the rear coil spring assembly area where multiple failures have occurred. Brake-related issues are not explicitly flagged in the MOT history, but the combination of worn suspension components and a previously fractured coil spring implies that braking performance could be affected if the coil springs support the entire wheel assembly, making a thorough brake system inspection advisable regardless of current test results.