2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · EX59 KVC

A fractured front coil spring recorded as a major failure in January 2021 is the only outright test failure across eight recorded MOT events for this 2009 Nissan Note, and it sits within an otherwise unbroken run of passes through to December 2025. The most recent test on 18 December 2025 returned a pass, but it is worth noting that the vehicle accumulated three minor defects and three advisories at that appointment, marking a departure from the completely clean results seen between 2022 and early 2025. The advisory items relate to front brake disc wear and both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on their edges, while the minors flagged smearing wiper blades and slight headlamp lens fade. This is the first test where multiple wear-related items have surfaced together, so although the car remains roadworthy on paper, the latest result is the first indication of consumables approaching the end of their useful life. The recorded mileage of 31,610 miles across approximately 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 1,859 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows no tests recorded for 2020, with the previous entry being a pass in September 2019 and the next being the failure in January 2021, suggesting either a period off the road or simply that no test was presented during that interval. There is a significant mileage gap visible between the 2019 test and the 2021 entries, after which the recorded odometer readings appear to resume a steady, low-rate progression consistent with light domestic use. Low annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on the engine internals, clutch, and gearbox, but it can also bring its own concerns such as dried brake fluid, seized caliper slide pins, perished rubber components, and undertray corrosion from limited road use in wet conditions, particularly given the vehicle's age. For a prospective buyer, the advisories recorded at the December 2025 test warrant close physical attention. Both front tyres were noted as worn on their edges, which on a Nissan Note typically points to either incorrect camber geometry, worn suspension linkages, or simply ageing tyres that have been left fitted for too long despite low mileage. A test drive should include firm braking from around 30 mph to check for any pedal pulsation or vibration through the steering, which would confirm whether the noted front brake disc wear has progressed to the point of requiring replacement, and the car should be cornered in both directions to feel for any pulling, knocking, or clonking over uneven surfaces that could indicate worn wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount deterioration. Given the fractured coil spring failure recorded in 2021, it is prudent to listen carefully for any creaking or tapping from the front suspension over speed humps and to visually inspect the springs themselves for any signs of corrosion pitting, as coil springs on vehicles of this age and standing time are susceptible to early fracture. The minor items from the latest test should also be addressed promptly but are not mechanically significant. Smearing wiper blades and slight headlamp lens fade are age-related cosmetic deterioration rather than safety concerns, although the headlamp fade will eventually compromise night-time illumination and may justify replacement of the lens covers or the complete headlamp units to restore output. Beyond the recorded items, a buyer should carry out a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion on subframe, brake pipes, and fuel lines, as a 17-year-old car with low mileage is more likely to have developed underbody oxidation than one used regularly. Coolant hoses, drive belts, and the condition of the exhaust system should be checked visually for perishing or rust-through, and the brake fluid should ideally be tested for moisture content given the long intervals between uses. With these specific checks completed and budget allocated for the imminent replacement of both front tyres and possibly the front brake discs, this Nissan Note represents a fundamentally roadworthy candidate with a largely clean test history.