2007 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · FP07 GLF

A pattern of recurring suspension and tyre wear issues defines the mechanical history of this 2007 Nissan Note, supported by a recent pass on 1 August 2022 with only a rear coil spring corrosion advisory. However, the broader record reveals a more uneven picture. Two failures are on file: a dangerous rear tyre tread depth below 1.6mm alongside a worn offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint in July 2021, and a recut rear tyre failure in March 2018. Advisories have clustered around the anti-roll bar linkage, which was first flagged as worn in 2020 before progressing to an excessive movement failure a year later, suggesting the component was not replaced at the advisory stage. The 2020 advisory concerning blue exhaust smoke during acceleration also warrants attention, as this can indicate oil consumption issues consistent with valve stem seal or piston ring wear on a higher-mileage engine of this age. With 108,168 recorded miles over approximately 19 years, this vehicle has accumulated an average of around 5,693 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. The MOT testing pattern shows gaps, including a four-year interval between the 2018 tests and the 2020 entry, and a further interval before the 2021 and 2022 tests. Lower annual mileage can reduce wear on major drivetrain components but often results in prolonged standing periods, which can accelerate corrosion on suspension springs, brake discs, and underbody components, and may lead to dried seals and degraded rubber bushes. The appearance of rear coil spring corrosion on the most recent test aligns with the typical consequences of irregular use combined with the vehicle's age, and buyers should anticipate further corrosion developing on exposed underbody metal. Targeted inspection should focus on the anti-roll bar linkage system, which has been flagged across multiple tests. Listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over uneven roads, particularly during direction changes or over speed bumps, and check for any play in the bar links by rocking the wheels. Examine both rear coil springs for advanced surface corrosion and scaling, as spring failure can cause the vehicle to sit unevenly and produce knocking over undulations. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear, which the 2018 and 2020 advisories suggest has been a recurring issue, and verify that none have been recut, as this was a documented failure. The front brake discs should also be examined, as a vehicle of this age and mileage standing intermittently is prone to corrosion pitting on the disc faces, which typically manifests as pedal judder or vibration under braking. Regarding the engine, the advisory regarding blue smoke during acceleration requires a careful cold-start observation and a follow-up check during a sustained hill climb or hard acceleration to determine whether smoke persists. A brief puff on startup may suggest valve stem seal degradation, whereas continuous smoke under load could indicate more serious piston ring wear or turbo issues if applicable. A thorough underbody inspection is strongly recommended, ideally with the vehicle raised, to assess the full extent of corrosion on the rear coil spring seats, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe routing, all of which are common MOT failure areas for vehicles of this vintage. Finally, verify the operation of all headlamp beams, as a 2021 failure was recorded for an incorrectly fitted bulb producing an obviously incorrect beam image, which suggests the headlamp alignment and bulb seating should be confirmed before purchase.