2010 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · FD10 HGG

The most recent official DVSA examination on 14 October 2025 returned a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most reassuring outcome a prospective buyer can receive from the MOT history. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has accumulated three consecutive Passes across 2023, two tests in 2024, and the 2025 examination, with only one Failed entry dated 22 May 2024. The fact that a Pass was issued on the very same date immediately after the Fail strongly suggests a minor rectification was carried out and re-presented within hours or days, rather than a deeper mechanical concern. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent, with no recurring advisories that would indicate systemic deterioration of wear items such as brakes, suspension, tyres, or exhaust components. With a recorded mileage of 88,243 miles over sixteen years, this Nissan Note has averaged approximately 5,515 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage for a car of this age and class. Such low usage over an extended period can be advantageous in preserving interior condition and limiting wear on higher-mileage components like the engine, clutch, and gearbox internals, but it also presents specific risks associated with vehicles that spend long intervals standing. Infrequent use tends to promote corrosion on brake discs due to surface rust pitting, sticking or binding brake calipers from seized pistons, and accelerated tyre sidewall perishing regardless of tread depth. The MOT mileage readings between tests are not provided in the record, but the consistent Passes with no advisories suggest the vehicle has not been flagged for any of these standing-related concerns in recent examinations. Given the relatively sparse history of recorded defects and the low annual mileage, physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than high-mileage wear items. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, or distortion, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age even when tread remains adequate; any tyres fitted before 2020 should generally be replaced on safety grounds regardless of remaining tread. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, severe surface corrosion, or uneven wear, and the caliper sliders should be checked for free movement to ensure the handbrake is not binding. The twelve-volt battery is likely approaching or beyond its typical service life, so its resting voltage and load test results should be verified, particularly as a weak battery can mask or mimic electrical faults on test. Fluid condition is another time-based concern, with brake fluid, engine coolant, and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) all susceptible to moisture absorption and chemical degradation over years rather than miles alone. A thorough test drive should include careful attention to cold-start behaviour, as infrequent use can lead to oil drain-down and reduced initial lubrication. Listen for any suspension clonks, knocks, or rattles from the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam, particularly over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, as perished bushes and top mounts are common on vehicles of this vintage. Steering should remain tight and free from excessive play or vibration, and the brakes should pull up cleanly without judder or pulling to one side, which would indicate a binding or seized caliper. Finally, verify the service book stamp history and ensure that timing chain or belt replacement intervals have been observed according to calendar age rather than mileage alone, and confirm that the underbody and exhaust system have been inspected for corrosion, as sixteen-year-old Nissan Notes are known to suffer from rear silencer and subframe corrosion in areas of road salt exposure.