2014 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · LD14 XNT

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 19 November 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory requirements at that inspection. However, the preceding test on 18 November 2025 recorded a major failure for excessive carbon‑monoxide emissions and an off‑side headlamp aim fault, and similar exhaust‑related failures appear in the 2024 records. Tyre wear advisories have been recurring each year, and a wheel‑bearing noise was noted in 2023 together with thin front brake pads in 2022. Overall the trend shows intermittent issues being flagged and, at the latest test, apparently resolved, suggesting a modest improvement but with a history of unresolved exhaust and tyre concerns that merit close scrutiny. At twelve years old the Note has only 37,173 miles on the clock, averaging just over 3,000 miles per annum, which is well below the typical UK usage pattern. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber ageing, fluid degradation and corrosion. There is no evidence of any sudden mileage spikes that would indicate a recent high‑stress period, but the low utilisation means that components such as seals, hoses and bushings may have deteriorated from age rather than wear. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the exhaust system and emissions control hardware. The repeated carbon‑monoxide failures suggest a possible catalyst degradation, exhaust leak, or malfunctioning oxygen sensor. On a test drive listen for a hollow or ticking exhaust note, check for black soot around the tailpipe, and verify that the engine runs smoothly at idle without surging. An emissions test performed by an independent garage before purchase would confirm whether the problem has been rectified. The tyre advisories indicate that the front off‑side tyre was already close to the legal tread limit in 2024 and the near‑side front tyre in 2023; both should be measured for tread depth and inspected for sidewall cracking or edge wear. If any tyre is within 1.6 mm of the legal minimum, replacement is advisable, as uneven wear can also point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn steering components. The rear wheel‑bearing noise noted in 2023 should be checked by rotating the wheel and listening for grinding or growling; a bearing that is beginning to fail will often produce a low‑frequency hum that changes with load. Finally, the thin front brake pads recorded in 2022 mean the brake discs should be examined for scoring or glazing, and the pads measured; if the remaining pad thickness is below 2 mm, replacement will be required soon. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also inspect items that deteriorate with time. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or perishing, especially on any spare tyre that may have been stored for years. Test the 12‑volt battery under load; an older battery may struggle to hold charge even with modest use. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the fluids appear clear, as calendar‑based degradation can lead to loss of lubricity and corrosion. Look for any signs of rust on the chassis, suspension arms and under‑body panels, particularly around wheel arches and the exhaust mounting points. A full service history with regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain inspection (as applicable to the Note’s engine) and documented replacement of wear items will provide further confidence in the car’s mechanical integrity.