2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · LL09 LFO

The most recent MOT test on 2026-04-20 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from the vehicle’s previous failures and advisories. While the history shows some recurring issues—particularly with the front suspension arms and rear wheel bearings—there is no evidence of a deterioration in structural integrity or fundamental roadworthiness. The pattern of advisories indicating worn suspension components suggests gradual wear rather than sudden failure, and the absence of major defects in the latest test indicates that the vehicle has been maintained sufficiently to avoid critical failures. However, the persistent advisories on suspension bushings and the history of wheel bearing roughness warrant careful attention, as these are areas prone to progressive degradation with continued use. The recorded mileage of 131,306 miles for a 2009 Nissan Note aligns with a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,724 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and class. Lower mileage could imply periods of inactivity or light use, potentially contributing to issues such as standing corrosion on brake components or fluid degradation from stagnation. Conversely, higher mileage accumulation over time would accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension elements, and drivetrain components, necessitating more frequent inspections. Given the vehicle’s age and the observed mileage, the suspension and wheel bearing advisories may reflect cumulative stress rather than recent neglect, but proactive checks are essential to prevent premature failure of critical systems. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the front suspension arms, rear wheel bearings, and brake components. The advisories on the lower suspension arm bushings indicate that these components are nearing the end of their serviceable life, with symptoms such as excessive clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, uneven ride height, or visible wear marks around the mounting points. During a test drive, listen for a persistent clunking noise from the front suspension, particularly when the vehicle is driven over rough terrain, and check for any lateral movement of the wheels that could suggest bearing failure. The rear wheel bearings, which failed MOT in 2024, may exhibit symptoms like a growling or grinding noise when accelerating or braking, or a vibration that intensifies at higher speeds. If either bearing is compromised, the vehicle could develop a dangerous steering pull or uneven tire wear, posing a significant safety risk. Additionally, the history of exposed tyre cords on the offside front tyre in 2026 suggests that this wheel has been subjected to severe underinflation or improper alignment, leading to rapid tread wear and internal tyre damage. This failure category is critical, as exposed cords indicate a structural weakness that could lead to sudden tyre failure. Inspect all tyres for signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, which is more likely to occur in a vehicle of this age, even if mileage is moderate. Check the tyre pressure and alignment regularly, and replace any tyres with less than 1.6mm of tread depth, as the legal minimum is 1.6mm across three-quarters of the tread. Finally, verify the condition of the central stop lamp, which failed in 2021, as a non-functional stop lamp can compromise braking visibility and compliance with road traffic regulations. For fluids, given the vehicle’s age, consider checking the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid for signs of degradation, such as contamination or colour change, and top up or replace them as necessary, ideally every 2–3 years or 60,000–80,000 miles. A thorough inspection of the exhaust system is also advisable, as the 2026 failure highlighted a major leak that could lead to reduced efficiency, increased emissions, or even carbon monoxide poisoning.