2009 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · LB59 BOF

The vehicle achieved a Pass on its most recent MOT examination dated 26 September 2025, with a single advisory recorded regarding an offside front suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement. While a pass is favourable, the broader trend across the DVSA history suggests some recurring concerns that warrant attention. The previous test in October 2024 recorded advisories for worn front inner brake discs and a nail in the nearside rear tyre, and an earlier test from October 2023 produced a Major failure for a fractured offside front coil spring alongside an advisory for front brake disc wear. The pattern of advisory items relating to front brake discs appearing in consecutive tests from 2023 and 2024 indicates progressive surface deterioration, and the suspension arm bush advisory from the latest test points to ongoing wear in the front suspension geometry. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with persistent component degradation in the front axle and braking areas that will likely require rectification in the near term. With a recorded mileage of 38,407 miles against a vehicle age of approximately seventeen years, this Nissan Note has covered only around 2,259 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for its age and indicates a usage profile dominated by short journeys or extended periods of standing rather than regular sustained driving. Such low annual mileage carries its own mechanical implications, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion on brake discs and caliper sliding mechanisms, degrade the 12 volt battery through partial charge cycling, and lead to fluid degradation in the braking, cooling, and hydraulic systems. Cold, short journeys also prevent the engine and exhaust from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging moisture accumulation in the engine oil and potential corrosion within the exhaust system. Mileage gaps are visible in the MOT record, with no tests presented between 2021 and 2022 and again in subsequent years suggesting the vehicle may have been off the road or SORN-registered for intervals, which compounds the standing-related wear risks. Given the advisory for a worn offside front suspension arm bush, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful road test and physical inspection focusing on the front suspension. Listen for any clunking or knocking noises from the front axle, particularly over speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate that the bush wear has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. Uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle, particularly inner or outer edge wear patterns, would also suggest deteriorated bushes or worn suspension geometry. With the previous fractured offside front coil spring recorded in 2023, the remaining front coil spring should be visually inspected for any signs of corrosion pitting, cracking, or sagging, as coil springs on low-mileage vehicles that have seen long standing periods can suffer from corrosion-induced fatigue. The steering should also be checked for any vagueness, drift, or pulling to one side, which could indicate cumulative wear in the front suspension components. The recurring advisory regarding front brake disc wear merits close attention during inspection, particularly given the low annual mileage which tends to promote disc corrosion and pitting from standing rather than friction wear. During a road test, listen for any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or grinding sensations, all of which would suggest the disc surfaces have deteriorated beyond the not seriously weakened threshold. The calipers should be checked for smooth operation and freedom of movement, as seized caliper slide mechanisms are common on low-use vehicles and can lead to uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Beyond the recorded defects, the seventeen year age of this vehicle makes several time-based inspections essential regardless of its low mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing, cracking, or ozone damage, as rubber compounds degrade with age even when tread depth remains legal, and any tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as low-mileage use with frequent short trips is a common cause of premature battery failure, and all fluid services including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be verified as recent, given that brake fluid in particular absorbs moisture over time and should be renewed at least every two years for roadworthy safety.