2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · DK09 KNE

A clean and consistent MOT record defines this seventeen-year-old Nissan Note, which has passed every annual test since at least 2020 apart from two isolated minor defects that were rectified and immediately re-tested. The most recent examination on 14 October 2025 returned a pass with no advisories, continuing an unbroken sequence of trouble-free tests through 2024 and the second half of 2023. Prior to that, the only recorded advisory in the visible history is a single note from October 2022 flagging corrosion on the offside rear coil spring, which has not reappeared in subsequent tests. Two failed items are on file: a defective nearside rear stop lamp in October 2023 and front headlamp aim too low on both sides in October 2020. Both were straightforward, non-structural defects that passed on retest and have not recurred, indicating no underlying systemic issue. Taken together, the pattern points to a vehicle with a stable roadworthiness profile and no chronic mechanical deterioration flagged at test. Recorded mileage of 98,991 miles across seventeen years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 5,823 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. This rate suggests either consistent light-duty use, periods of regular but short journeys, or extended intervals of standing between test dates. There are no unusual gaps in the testing timeline, with annual MOTs recorded consecutively from 2020 onwards, and mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than showing sudden jumps that would suggest long motorway commutes or towing use. Mechanically, lower annual mileage generally means slower wear on internal combustion components such as the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox synchros, but it can also place greater strain on items that degrade with age rather than use, including rubber suspension bushes, engine and gearbox seals, and brake hydraulic components. The combination of light use and consistent annual testing is broadly favourable, though it warrants close attention to age-related deterioration rather than purely wear-based concerns. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas should centre on the components most likely to be affected by both age and the single advisory on record. The 2022 advisory for an offside rear coil spring requires a physical inspection of both rear springs for surface corrosion, scaling, or any signs of cracking near the lower or upper seats, as coil springs that have begun to corrode will continue to deteriorate even after an advisory is issued. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, which can indicate a fractured or weakened spring allowing the axle to move excessively. Also check that the vehicle sits level at the rear with no obvious sagging on one side, and inspect the rear shock absorber mounts and surrounding bodywork for any rust bleeding around the suspension turrets. The remaining test history points to electrical and lighting items rather than mechanical wear, so a thorough check of all exterior lamps, including the rear stop lamps and number plate illumination, should form part of any pre-purchase inspection, along with verification that both front headlamps can be correctly aimed using the dashboard or manual adjustment. Given the low annual mileage, the engine and ancillaries should be examined for signs of ageing seals and gaskets, paying particular attention to any oil seepage from the cam cover, sump, or front crankshaft pulley, as well as coolant leaks from the radiator and thermostat housing. A scan for stored fault codes would be sensible, along with a check of brake fluid condition, since age rather than mileage is the principal driver of moisture absorption in hydraulic fluid. Finally, inspect the underside closely for any corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake lines, and suspension arms, as a light-use urban car of this age can still develop rust in vulnerable areas despite low overall mileage.