2010 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · LR10 ENE

A continuous run of clean MOT passes dating back through 2024 and 2025, culminating in a defect-free test on 2026-02-10, presents this Nissan Note as a consistently roadworthy example of its breed. The single recorded failure from 2023-02-24 is documented with no defects recorded against it, which on DVSA systems typically indicates either a refusal to test or an administrative withdrawal rather than a mechanical rejection, and it has had no bearing on the four consecutive annual passes since. With no advisories logged across any of the recent examinations, there is no official pattern of developing wear to monitor, though the absence of recorded comments means items commonly flagged on cars of this age such as minor exhaust corrosion, ageing suspension bushes, or early disc lipping would not appear here if they were within tolerance at the time of test. With 86,755 miles recorded over sixteen years, the vehicle has covered approximately 5,422 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical mileage profile for a car of this vintage and suggests either genuine low annual mileage or extended periods of inactivity between tests. The DVSA record shows tests at roughly twelve-month intervals with no significant gaps in testing history, indicating the vehicle has remained on the road and in continuous use rather than being laid up. Mechanically, this profile is a double-edged proposition: lower running mileage reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, engine internals, and brake friction material, but it can also accelerate degradation of items that suffer from lack of use, including rubber seals, flexible brake hoses, coolant hoses, and the 12V battery. On a 2010 Nissan Note at this age, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the timing chain and tensioner, as the HR-family engines fitted to these models are known to develop chain stretch and timing component wear irrespective of mileage if oil change intervals have been stretched. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the lack of historical advisories means there is no specific component flagged for monitoring, but the vehicle's age and low usage pattern make a thorough physical inspection essential. On a road test, listen for any rattle or metallic whine from the engine on cold start, particularly from the timing chain area at the front of the engine, and check for any hesitation or misfire as the engine warms. Inspect all flexible brake hoses and the metal brake pipe runs beneath the vehicle and within the wheel arches for any surface corrosion or cracking of the rubber sections, as these deteriorate with time rather than mileage. Check the condition of the rear coil springs for any sign of sagging or corrosion-induced fracture, and examine the front lower suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and strut top mounts for play or knocking, particularly over uneven surfaces. Verify that the cooling system hoses retain their flexibility and that there is no evidence of coolant leakage around the thermostat housing or radiator, and ensure that the exhaust system, particularly the front downpipe and rear silencer, has not corroded through given the car's age. Finally, confirm the condition of consumables that are age rather than mileage dependent. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and for manufacture date stamps older than five years, as the rubber compound hardens with age and compromises grip even if tread depth remains adequate. The brake fluid should be assessed for colour and any moisture content, as fluid older than two years in service will have a reduced boiling point and should ideally be renewed. Inspect the underside of the vehicle on a ramp if possible, paying close attention to the front subframe, engine mounting brackets, and the rear axle beam for any structural corrosion, particularly given that the Note's wheel arches and lower sill areas are known corrosion hotspots. A scan tool check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes is also worthwhile, as intermittent sensor faults on the engine management or ABS systems would not necessarily result in an MOT failure but could indicate developing electrical issues typical of a vehicle that has spent considerable time parked between short journeys.