2009 Nissan Note 1.6L Petrol · FN59 WBV

The defining mechanical narrative of this Nissan Note is a consistent pattern of front-end wear and corrosion that has culminated in a recent MOT failure, signalling that suspension, exhaust, and brake components are entering a phase where deterioration is accelerating. The most recent test on 13 July 2026 recorded a pass, but only after a failure on the same date addressing a heavily worn nearside front sub-frame bush, an inoperative washer system, and a failed position lamp. Prior tests have steadily accumulated advisories for both front coil spring corrosion, both rear coil spring corrosion by 2025, and lower suspension arm ball joint play on both sides by 2023, with binding front brake calipers noted as far back as 2022. The progression from early-stage suspension play in 2021 to a Major failure for excessive sub-frame bush wear in 2026 demonstrates a coherent worsening trend rather than isolated incidents. Recorded mileage stands at 117,308 miles across approximately seventeen years, equating to roughly 6,900 miles annually, which sits broadly within typical parameters for a car of this age. Annual test entries are reasonably consistent from 2021 onwards, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods, and the mileage accumulation between tests appears steady without obvious gaps or sudden jumps. This continuous usage profile explains why wear-related advisories on suspension bushes, brake components, and tyres have emerged gradually rather than presenting as a single cluster, and it indicates that consumable items such as brake pads, tyres, and exhaust fittings have been subjected to normal accumulation patterns. From a buyer perspective, the front suspension and braking system should be the primary focus of any inspection. The 2026 Major failure for the nearside front sub-frame bush, combined with historical advisories for lower arm ball joint play on both sides and binding front brake calipers, means a prospective buyer should listen for clonks or thuds from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven tarmac, and pay particular attention to any wandering or imprecise steering response. On a test drive, the brake pedal should feel progressive without excessive travel, and any pulling to one side under braking could indicate the previously flagged caliper binding has progressed further. A thorough examination of the front sub-frame and lower arm bushes for perishing, cracking, or excessive movement on a lift would be advisable before purchase, and budget should be set aside for replacement suspension components alongside tyres, as the nearside rear tyre was already at the legal limit at the latest test. The exhaust and ancillary electrical items also warrant close attention given the most recent record. The advisory noting a minor exhaust leak at the front fire ring suggests the joint or gasket is degrading, which on a seventeen-year-old vehicle will typically require imminent attention; the exhaust note should be checked for any ticking or rasping under acceleration, particularly from cold start. Electrical advisories for position lamps, registration plate lamps, and stop lamp failures across multiple tests indicate possible intermittent wiring or connector faults, so all exterior lighting should be verified operationally during a viewing. Finally, given the recurring advisories for both front and rear coil spring corrosion, a visual inspection underneath the vehicle for surface rust on suspension springs, mounting points, and associated underbody structural areas would be prudent, as corrosion in these zones can advance rapidly once initiated and may influence the long-term integrity of the front suspension assembly.