2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · DN09 XAY

Against an MOT backdrop that is largely unremarkable across its later life, the single failure point of note is the rear exhaust system flagged with a major leak and consequent inability to complete the emissions check on 14 February 2024, though the vehicle returned a clean pass at the very next test on 22 March 2025 and again on 09 March 2026 with no defects recorded. The earlier failure dated 7 February 2022 was limited to both windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively, a relatively minor pair of defects that was evidently rectified on the same day given the recorded pass at the same date. Tyre wear advisories from the same 2024 episode showed both front tyres and the offside rear tyre approaching the legal limit, which is a recurrent wear pattern worth noting for a vehicle of this vintage. Overall, the trend across the last four tests is stable and free of recorded defects, with the only unresolved history being that exhaust event. With 182,836 miles accumulated over roughly seventeen years, the annual rate works out at approximately 10,755 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT coverage is continuous year on year from at least 2021 onwards, with no multi-year lay-up gaps that might raise concerns about seized calipers, perished fuel lines, or flat-spotted tyres from prolonged standing. At this mileage bracket, however, wear-related deterioration of engine, transmission and suspension consumables becomes increasingly likely even where the test record is clean, and any prospective purchase should be evaluated with that mileage in mind. The record itself gives no indication of irregular usage or inconsistent presentation, which is a neutral rather than positive signal. Given the exhaust failure and emissions non-completion from February 2024, the buyer should listen carefully for any ticking, hissing or blowing noise from beneath the rear of the car on the test drive, particularly under load when the engine is warm, and watch for visible soot around the rear silencer joint or any blueish haze from the tailpipe suggesting a worn catalyst or lambda-related inefficiency. Inspection of the rear silencer mounting rubber and the condition of the pipework between the centre and rear sections is warranted, as is a check for any signs of aftermarket welding at the repair point. If the exhaust note sounds louder or more resonant than expected for the model, that may suggest the repair was marginal or that a new leak has developed since the 2026 test. The tyre wear pattern recorded in 2024, with both front edges and the offside rear worn close to the limit, hints at either a camber or tracking irregularity or simply routine consumption on the driven axle. On test, the buyer should release the steering briefly on a straight, level road to confirm the car tracks true without pulling, and monitor for any tramline tracking or feathering across the front tread that would indicate worn suspension bushes or droplinks. With high mileage, particular attention should also be given to the condition of the front coil springs, lower arm bushes, rear brake shoes and the handbrake mechanism, none of which are surfaced in the MOT record but are age-relevant on a vehicle of this odometer reading. A thorough inspection of the underside for any oil misting around the engine and gearbox, along with a check of coolant and brake fluid freshness, would complete a proportionate assessment for this Nissan.