2016 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · JR55 COS

A pattern of emerging wear rather than outright mechanical failure defines the MOT history of this 2016 Nissan Note. Across seven recorded tests since 2020, the vehicle has passed every examination, with only a single Major defect recorded on 2023-05-18 for a rough nearside rear wheel bearing, which was evidently remedied before the same-day pass. The most recent test on 2026-05-11, while technically a pass, is the first to surface multiple advisories, suggesting that the cumulative effects of age and use are now beginning to register on previously clean components. The overall trend is therefore stable rather than worsening, but the appearance of four simultaneous advisories after years of defect-free passes marks a clear inflection point worth close attention from any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 39,899 miles against a ten-year age equates to an average of roughly 3,990 miles annually, which is notably low. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT testing timeline, with annual submissions from 2020 through 2026, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically means reduced wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake friction material, clutch assemblies and interior components, but it can also bring its own concerns: brake discs and pads are susceptible to corrosion from infrequent use, rubber components such as bushes and gaiters can deteriorate through age rather than mileage, and seals that rely on regular thermal cycling may dry and seep. The combination of low mileage and the recent advisory for an oil leak is consistent with age-related seal degradation rather than high-stress mechanical wear. It is worth noting that the MOT records only confirm testable roadworthiness at the time of examination and cannot independently verify the accuracy of the odometer reading. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing items to investigate are those raised at the latest test. The advisories for worn, pitted and scored front brake discs on both sides indicate that the braking surfaces have begun to deteriorate, likely due to corrosion from underuse rather than friction wear; on a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping noise under light pedal application, feel for brake pedal pulsation or judder through the footwell under firm stops, and check that the car pulls up squarely without pulling to either side, which would indicate uneven disc condition or a binding caliper. The advisory for an oil leak, noted as not excessive, should be located and assessed visually for severity, with particular attention to the valve cover gasket, sump plug, and any oil-wet suspension or exhaust components below the engine, as prolonged seepage can mask the source and worsen over time. The offside rear wheel bearing noted as slightly noisy should be evaluated at low speed with the windows down, listening for a hum or drone that changes pitch with cornering, indicating load on the affected bearing. Given the history of a replaced rear wheel bearing in 2023, it would be prudent to confirm the repair documentation and check the opposite side for similar early symptoms. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should focus on the components most vulnerable to age-related deterioration on a low-mileage car of this vintage. Examine the underbody, subframe, brake pipes, suspension arms and mounting points for any surface corrosion or structural rust, paying particular attention to the rear axle area given the prior bearing failure. Check the condition of the tyres, including sidewalls for cracking, and verify even tread wear across both axles, as uneven patterns can indicate misalignment, seized brake mechanism, or worn suspension bushes. With no service history inferable from MOT data alone, a compression test or diagnostic read for any stored engine fault codes would help confirm internal mechanical health before purchase.