2011 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · EX61 FKA

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 April 2026 resulted in an initial failure due to a windscreen wiper not clearing the glass effectively, a defect categorised as a PRS (Pass After Rectification at Station) item, meaning it was addressed before the same-day pass certificate was issued. Alongside the pass, the examiner recorded five advisories: high handbrake travel, worn and pitted front brake discs on both sides, play in the offside steering rack inner joint, and both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges. Looking back over the preceding test cycle, the vehicle achieved clean passes from 2020 through 2025 with no advisories recorded, indicating that the advisory items raised in April 2026 are relatively recent concerns rather than a long-standing pattern of neglect. The maintenance trend therefore shows a sudden cluster of wear-related advisories appearing simultaneously after several years of unblemished results, which warrants prompt attention but does not suggest systemic neglect of the vehicle to date. With a recorded odometer reading of 43,100 miles over approximately fifteen years, this Nissan Note has covered an average of just 2,873 miles annually, which is exceptionally low and well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year expected for a car of this vintage. Such restrained use may suggest predominantly short urban journeys, light leisure motoring, or extended periods of standing between trips. While low mileage preserves engine and drivetrain life in some respects, prolonged inactivity brings its own mechanical concerns, including moisture accumulation in engine oil, degradation of brake fluid through hygroscopic absorption, flat spots and sidewall perishing in tyres, oxidation on brake discs, and potential 12V battery failure. The relatively late emergence of wear-related advisories in 2026, after a long stretch of dormant use, is consistent with components finally reaching the end of their service life rather than indicating heavy service. Given the advisories on record, a prospective buyer should prioritise a close inspection of the front braking system. The note regarding worn, pitted, and scored front brake discs on both sides suggests surface corrosion and material loss that, if left, will progress to brake shudder under heavy application and reduced thermal capacity; the discs may be within serviceable limits now but will likely require replacement at the next service. The high handbrake travel advisory typically points to cable stretch or the need for rear drum or caliper adjustment, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for any binding, particularly if the vehicle pulls to one side on light braking. The offside play in the steering rack inner joint is a more pressing concern, as steering rack wear tends to worsen progressively and can manifest as knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, vague steering response, or uneven front tyre wear. Both front tyres were already at the legal limit, so replacements should be factored into any purchase price alongside a four-wheel alignment check to confirm the inner or outer edge wear is not being accelerated by the steering rack play. Beyond the advisory items, the age and usage profile of this vehicle demand particular attention to age-related deterioration regardless of the MOT record. Tyres fitted to a fifteen-year-old car should be inspected for sidewall cracking, perishing, and manufacturing date codes, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age even when tread depth remains legal. The brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) should be checked for service history, as these hygroscopic and corrosive fluids lose protective properties over time and may not have been renewed given the low annual mileage. A 12V battery health test is advisable, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, and the underside should be examined for corrosion, surface rust, and any oil or coolant leaks from ageing seals. Finally, given the very low annual mileage, verifying a comprehensive service history with documented cambelt or timing chain inspections, oil changes at appropriate intervals, and confirmation of recent replacement of the advisory items will provide essential reassurance that this otherwise well-presented Note has been mechanically maintained in line with its calendar age rather than simply left to stand.