2007 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · KU07 OCN

This 2007 Nissan Note presents an exceptionally clean MOT history, with the most recent test on 21 September 2024 returning a pass and no advisories recorded whatsoever across all four documented examinations spanning 2022 to 2024. The fact that the same date appears twice in 2024, with one pass and one fail both showing zero defects recorded, strongly indicates an administrative retest scenario where the vehicle was presented, briefly failed on a minor item, and immediately returned for a retest that day — a common occurrence rather than a sign of underlying mechanical concern. With three consecutive passes and no recorded advisories on braking components, suspension, steering, exhaust integrity, lighting, or structural corrosion, the official DVSA record points to a vehicle that has maintained roadworthy standards consistently without any of the chronic advisories that typically plague a car of this vintage. The absence of any flagged items is particularly notable for a 19-year-old Nissan Note, as this model is well known in MOT circles for developing rear axle corrosion, exhaust manifold issues, and front suspension bush wear as it ages. Against an average annual mileage of roughly 4,555 miles, the recorded 86,539 miles reflects a usage profile considerably below the UK norm. While lower annual mileage generally means less wear on major drivetrain components, the trade-off is that infrequent use can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from prolonged standing, including brake disc corrosion from surface rust, sticking brake calipers, perished rubber components, and potential oil seal drying on the automatic transmission if fitted. A buyer should also be aware that the recorded mileage spans only a three-year MOT history visible here, so gaps between tests are not unusual given the pre-2018 MOT exemption rules. This pattern is consistent with a second or third household vehicle used intermittently, and the clean advisory record suggests the few miles driven were generally trouble-free, though it does not guarantee that hidden defects have not developed during periods of dormancy. Given the clean MOT record, an inspection should focus less on addressing known flagged items and more on confirming that the underlying components remain sound at this age and mileage. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as front lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links are frequent wear items on the Nissan Note and would not necessarily be flagged on a rolling road MOT brake test. Apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any judder through the pedal or steering wheel, which would indicate front disc warping or lipping, particularly likely given the low usage pattern that allows surface corrosion to pit the braking surface. Check that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as rear caliper seizure is a known issue on low-mileage vehicles. Also inspect the rear wheel arches, boot floor, and undercarriage thoroughly for any bubbling or perforation, as Nissan Notes from this era are notorious for structural corrosion in these areas that may have developed between MOT tests. Finally, verify all fluid levels and their condition before purchase, paying particular attention to engine oil and coolant, and ask for evidence of recent cambelt or timing chain service history, as the latter is chain-driven on most Note variants but the cambelt if fitted would be well overdue at 86,000 miles. Check that all electrical items function correctly, including the climate control, electric windows, and central locking, as electrical gremlins are common in higher-mileage Nissans. Inspect the exhaust system by hand beneath the car for any movement at joints or rust holes, as replacement can be costly. The CV gaiters should be inspected for splits, and a test drive should include tight turns in both directions with the windows down to listen for any clicking from the front wheel hubs. Although the MOT history is reassuringly clean, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage remains strongly advisable given the vehicle's age, focusing on a thorough road test, undertray-off corrosion check, and diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes that would not appear on a standard MOT examination.