2013 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · LD63 ADU

The 2013 Nissan Note presents a concerning pattern of intermittent mechanical failures spanning approximately three years, culminating in a clean MOT result on 2024-10-07 after a cascade of serious faults. While the October 2024 test showed no defects, the preceding twelve-month history reveals persistent problems across suspension, braking, tyres and electrical systems, including multiple occasions where critical safety components were absent or excessively worn. The progression from 2021 through 2024 demonstrates a clear degradation in roadworthiness rather than improvement, with the most recent test occurring only nine months before today and still passing, yet the cumulative record suggests unresolved issues remain latent beneath the surface. At 75,068 recorded miles on a thirteen-year-old vehicle, the annualisation yields roughly 5,774 miles per year—a figure significantly lower than typical consumption patterns for a car of this age, which implies either infrequent driving or extended periods of idling and storage between services. The interval between the last two full MOT tests—2023-10-05 to 2024-10-07—is merely nine months, during which four distinct failures were recorded, including a dangerous condition involving front brake pads below the 1.5mm threshold and multiple tyres exhibiting inadequate tread depth alongside exposed cords. This combination of high mileage relative to calendar age and compressed testing intervals indicates that the vehicle has accumulated substantial wear on suspension linkages, tyre carcasses and braking components even though the odometer reading appears modest. The suspension architecture is the primary concern, with multiple instances of worn or excessively degraded bushings and arm pins documented across the rear and front axle, including a critically worn rear suspension arm bush at the time of the 2022-10-05 MOT and additional front and rear arm bushing failures in subsequent tests. On a test drive, expect noticeable knocks or binding when traversing uneven surfaces, as the worn bushings allow excessive play that transmits vibration and can cause the rear suspension to lose its intended geometry, potentially leading to premature wear of the main spring and leaf spring units. Additionally, the repeated warnings regarding front and nearside tyres indicate that the rubber compounds may be approaching or exceeding safe tread depths, requiring immediate attention to prevent hydroplaning risks and reduced handling. Brake system health remains a critical red flag given the repeated FAIL status tied to front brake pads measuring less than 1.5mm in thickness and the proximity of such a failure to the most recent successful MOT. When testing the brakes, pay particular attention to pedal travel consistency and whether the pads show uneven wear or complete absence, as the noted thickness limit represents a minimum safety requirement that should not be ignored. Complementary checks should focus on the tyre condition identified throughout the history, specifically confirming that all tyres meet the 1.6mm minimum tread depth standard and that no ply or cord exposure remains, as exposed construction compromises structural integrity and increases the likelihood of sudden tyre failure under load. Finally, verify that the electronic stability control warning and offside position lamp issues have been resolved since their original detection, as persistent electrical faults could indicate deeper wiring or sensor failures that may recur unexpectedly.