2013 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · DP13 HLY

The most recent MOT recorded against this 2013 Nissan Note is a pass dated 28 October 2025, but it is important to note that this pass sits alongside an immediate failure recorded on the same date. That failure cited five major defects, all situated on the front suspension and steering: deteriorated track rod end dust covers on both sides, deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers on both sides, and a fractured offside front coil spring. The presence of these serious items on the same day as a pass indicates that the major defects were presumably rectified post-test and the vehicle re-submitted, but the trend across the history is one of progressive front-end deterioration. Earlier tests from 2021 through 2024 carry a string of advisories for worn front brake discs, anti-roll bar linkage play, and front suspension arm pin or bush wear. What begins as minor scoring on the discs and slight play in the anti-roll bar linkage culminates in fractured rubber boots and a broken coil spring within four years. The maintenance trajectory should therefore be regarded as clearly worsening, with the front suspension and braking system identified as the primary area of concern requiring ongoing attention. With a recorded mileage of 27,159 miles over approximately thirteen years, this Nissan Note has covered around 2,089 miles per year, which is exceptionally low and indicative of either very light daily use or extended periods of standing. The MOT record shows relatively consistent annual test attendance, but the mileage accumulation between tests is modest, suggesting that the vehicle has likely spent considerable time inactive. Low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as engines, gearboxes and clutches, but it simultaneously exposes the vehicle to calendar-based degradation. Brake discs and calipers corrode and seize through lack of use, cooling system coolant loses its corrosion-inhibiting properties, brake fluid becomes hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, and the twelve-volt battery suffers from sulphation if left in a partially discharged state. Standing corrosion on the brake caliper slide pins is particularly relevant here, as the advisories have repeatedly flagged front disc condition, suggesting the discs may have suffered surface corrosion between infrequent uses. Given the failure history, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering before purchase. The dust covers on the track rod ends and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints have been the recurring failure point, and any new gaiters should be examined for splits, oil contamination, or perished lips, as the joint itself will quickly deteriorate once the cover is breached. The fractured offside front coil spring is a safety-critical item, and the replacement spring, together with its nearside counterpart, should be inspected for correct seating and whether both sides were renewed together. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and rough surfaces, feel for any vagueness or wandering in the steering, and watch for uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner-edge wear which can indicate worn wishbone bushes as flagged in 2023. Apply the brakes firmly from speed to check for shudder or vibration, which would confirm the worn and pitted front discs noted in 2021 and 2023, and inspect the discs visually for a deep lip of corrosion around the outer edge. Beyond the documented suspension issues, the low mileage and thirteen-year age warrant additional age-related checks that fall outside the MOT scope. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing, cracking, or ozone damage, as thirteen-year-old tyres, regardless of tread depth, can suffer structural degradation of the rubber compound and should ideally be replaced on age grounds. All fluid services should be verified regardless of the odometer reading, including engine oil and filter, brake fluid flush, coolant renewal, and automatic gearbox fluid if applicable, as none of these degrade purely with mileage. The battery should be load-tested to confirm its state of health, and the under-seal noted as an advisory in 2024 should be inspected to ensure it is not masking developing corrosion to the structural underbody, floor pans, or suspension mounting points. Finally, the exhaust system, which is not always fully visible from beneath underseal, should be checked for rust at the mounting brackets, flex section, and rear silencer, as thirteen-year-old exhaust components are approaching the end of their typical service life.