2009 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · NG58 OTC

The most recent MOT, dated 19 February 2026, was passed but returned with a suite of advisories covering a minor exhaust leak, corrosion on rear axle and front‑ and rear‑suspension mounting points. The preceding test, recorded a day earlier, failed on a fractured off‑side rear coil spring and a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber. Over the past four years the record shows a pattern of recurring suspension wear, shock absorber degradation, tyre tread issues and a persistent exhaust leak, interspersed with occasional brake‑binding and a SRS warning. While the latest pass indicates that the most serious faults have been remedied, the frequency of major defects suggests the vehicle’s maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive and the overall trend remains one of gradual deterioration. At 150,216 mi on a 2009 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 8,800 mi, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a car of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would point to short‑term abuse, nor are there long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The mileage level implies that consumables such as tyre tread, brake pads, suspension bushes and engine oil will be well into the wear phase and should be inspected for the typical end‑of‑life symptoms. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the exhaust system, checking for a ticking or hissing sound at idle, black soot around the exhaust tip and any drop in fuel efficiency that could indicate a leak past the manifold. The rear axle should be examined for rust penetration that could compromise structural integrity, especially around the mounting brackets. All four suspension mounting areas have been flagged for corrosion; visual inspection for pitting, cracked paint and compromised bushings is essential, and a bounce test should reveal any remaining coil‑spring or shock‑absorber deficiencies – a clunk on compression or a soft, mushy ride points to unrepaired leaks or broken springs. The nearside rear tyre was recorded below the legal tread limit in 2025, so both tyre tread depth and sidewall condition must be measured; look for uneven wear that could betray mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. The nearside rear service brake was noted as binding; a test‑drive should reveal any pulling to one side, a spongy pedal or a high‑pitched squeal when applying the brakes, which would indicate worn pads, corroded discs or a sticking caliper. Finally, the SRS warning lamp that failed in 2023 must be cleared and the airbag system checked for fault codes before relying on the restraint system. Given the vehicle’s seventeen‑year age, age‑related checks are advisable regardless of the MOT record. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for swollen cases or a voltage below 12.4 V at rest, and confirm that the alternator is charging correctly. Inspect all fluid levels – coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – and consider a full service if the last change is not documented, as fluids degrade over time even when the car is not driven heavily. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, a common issue on older tyres even with low mileage, and ensure the tyre age (DOT code) does not exceed six years. Finally, a thorough visual under‑body inspection for rust on the chassis, sub‑frame and suspension links will highlight any long‑standing corrosion that could become a costly repair later.