2012 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · EX62 FVL

This Nissan Note presents a notably clean roadworthiness history across its recorded MOT tests, with the 2025-09-10 pass representing a continuation of a stable, defect-free pattern that stretches back through the 2024 and 2022 tests. The single failure recorded on 2023-09-14 against an otherwise unbroken sequence of passes is unusual, but crucially no advisory or failure defect information was captured for that test, meaning the cause cannot be determined from the DVSA record. It is worth noting that a retest on the very same date returned a pass, suggesting the original failure was likely a borderline or easily rectified item such as a lighting defect, emissions reading, or a nearside tyre specification issue rather than a structural or mechanical concern. Across the entire five-test history covering roughly three years of recorded activity, no corrosion advisories, suspension wear notes, brake component flags, or exhaust advisories have been logged, which is a particularly encouraging sign for a vehicle of this age where rust and bush wear are common concerns on Nissan products of the early 2010s. Against an age of approximately fourteen years, the 56,508 recorded miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,036 miles per year, placing this Note firmly in low-mileage territory. This rate of use suggests the vehicle has likely been operated as a second car, a short-commuter, or a local runabout rather than a high-mileage daily driver, which typically results in lighter wear on the clutch, gearbox, and drivetrain components. However, low annual mileage does carry its own mechanical considerations, particularly around components that degrade with age rather than use, such as rubber seals, coolant hoses, and brake hydraulic seals. The lack of any recorded advisories across the available test history implies the vehicle has not been flagged for the kind of age-related deterioration one might otherwise expect, though a buyer should remain mindful that MOT tests do not cover engine internals, cambelt condition, or full brake hydraulic system integrity. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any component-specific advisories means there are no flagged items to chase down with the seller, but the unusually low mileage and clean record warrant a focused physical inspection and test drive. Given the vehicle's age, particular attention should be paid to the underside and around the rear wheel arches and subframe mounting points for any surface corrosion that may not have been severe enough to warrant an advisory at test time. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, bottom ball joints, or suspension arm links that have perished with age rather than wear. Steering should feel precise without excess play or pulling to either side, and the brake pedal should offer a firm, consistent feel without sponginess that could suggest perished brake seals or corroded brake pipes within the hydraulic system. Finally, because of the low annual mileage, it is sensible to check the service history evidence for regular replacement of age-sensitive items such as the cambelt, coolant, and brake fluid, none of which are inspected during an MOT. On start-up from cold, watch for any excessive smoke from the exhaust or rough running that might indicate oil passing through worn valve stem seals, a known concern on lightly used vehicles that have accumulated short journeys rather than sustained running. Inspect the tyres for any signs of cracking or perishing in the sidewalls, as low-mileage cars often retain tyres for extended periods and the rubber compounds can harden and crack with age regardless of tread depth. With the clean test record in hand, this Note represents a candidate that warrants a thorough physical appraisal to confirm that its mechanical condition matches the encouragingly tidy official history.