2014 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · GD14 FVO

A 2014 Nissan Note presenting this MOT history is, on the face of it, a textbook example of consistent roadworthiness, with five consecutive passes from March 2022 through February 2026 and absolutely no advisories or defects recorded across any of those examinations. The most recent test on 16 February 2026 confirmed a clean pass, and the absence of any flagged items even at the rear of this run suggests the vehicle has not developed any of the wear patterns typically expected on a car of its vintage, such as corroded brake lines, perished suspension bushes, or exhaust issues. The trend is therefore uniformly stable rather than improving or deteriorating, which is unusually positive for a twelve-year-old vehicle. Against an age of twelve years, the recorded mileage of 22,720 works out to a remarkably modest average of roughly 1,893 miles per year, placing this car firmly in the low-mileage bracket. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record, with tests consistently taken on an annual basis, so there is no indication of an extended period off the road that might have allowed deterioration through standing. However, such light annual usage does carry its own mechanical implications. Brake discs and pads can suffer from low-speed corrosion pitting on the working surfaces even when pads retain material, the clutch and manual transmission internals can develop light surface corrosion from infrequent operation, and the cooling system may have partially depleted anti-corrosion inhibitor protection if the car has predominantly been used only for short journeys. Tyres of this age, regardless of tread, also warrant careful scrutiny for sidewall cracking given the time elapsed since manufacture. For a prospective buyer, the practical focus should therefore be on components that a clean MOT history cannot fully guarantee because they fall outside strict test criteria. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven roads, particularly from the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links, which are common wear items on Nissan vehicles of this era. Apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph to check for pedal judder, which would indicate disc run-out or pad bedding issues linked to light use, and pull away in first gear to feel for any vibration through the steering that might suggest front wheel bearing play. Cold starting should be observed, as a battery left undercharged through infrequent use can mask an underlying alternator output weakness, and a coolant level and condition check is worthwhile given the predominantly short-journey usage pattern. Finally, a physical inspection beneath the vehicle on a ramp is strongly advised. The Note's rear axle and underbody should be checked for any emerging surface corrosion, particularly around the rear beam mountings, and the underside of the front subframe inspected for any signs of weeping from the power steering rack or engine oil seals, both of which commonly present as slow drips on low-mileage cars kept predominantly on short trips. The exhaust system should be tapped and inspected for any signs of rust perforation at the joints and silencer, as age rather than mileage tends to be the dominant factor here. All four tyres should be examined for their production date stamp and for any uneven shoulder wear that could indicate an underlying alignment issue, and a thorough check of all interior electrical functions, including the air conditioning compressor clutch engagement, is sensible given that long periods of disuse can allow these systems to seize or leak refrigerant without it being immediately apparent on a short road test.