2015 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · NG64 WCC

A pattern of recurring rear-tyre perishing advisories and a notable front suspension ball joint failure sit at the centre of this Nissan Note's mechanical profile. Across four consecutive annual tests from 2023 to 2025, both rear tyres have been flagged for slight cracking or perishing, suggesting the rubber compound is reaching the end of its service life despite modest mileage. More concerning is the front suspension history: the offside ball joint was noted with slight play in 2023, and by May 2024 the nearside ball joint had deteriorated to an excessively worn Major failure, causing the test to be failed outright. The vehicle subsequently passed on a retest in 2024 and again in 2025 and 2026, but the trajectory shows a component that was not addressed in its early stage of wear and progressed to a serious defect within twelve months. The absence of any advisories at the most recent test on 13 May 2026 indicates the immediate ball joint issue appears resolved, though the rear tyres remain a watchpoint given the established perishing pattern. At 33,671 miles over eleven years, the recorded accumulation averages roughly 3,060 miles annually, which is well below typical usage for a small family hatchback. The testing record is unusually dense for such low mileage, with eight separate entries spanning 2021 through 2026, including tests only two days apart in May 2024 reflecting the failure and immediate retest cycle. This combination suggests either consistent but light daily use, or possible periods of standing followed by MOT-driven activity. Mechanically, low annual mileage can be neutral to favourable for engine internals and clutch wear, but it can also accelerate certain age-related degradations such as tyre sidewall perishing, brake disc surface corrosion from infrequent use, and dryness in suspension and driveline rubber components. The repeated rear-tyre perishing advisories on a low-mileage car align with this age-dominant wear pattern rather than tread wear. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, particularly both lower arm ball joints, as the recorded defect was on the nearside and only minor play had previously been noted on the offside. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps, uneven surfaces, and when turning at low speed, as a worn ball joint will often produce a distinct single knock on full lock or over sharp undulations. The steering should also be checked for vagueness, looseness around the straight-ahead position, or any tendency to wander, all of which can indicate further ball joint or bush deterioration not yet captured in advisories. Given the recurring rear-tyre perishing flags, both rear tyres will almost certainly require replacement regardless of remaining tread depth, and sidewalls should be closely examined for any cracking that has progressed beyond what was previously recorded. Beyond the flagged items, the brake system should be examined carefully because low usage can lead to corrosion on the disc surfaces and potential seizure of the caliper slide mechanisms. On test drive, feel for any binding, pulling to one side under braking, or a spongy or inconsistent pedal feel, and listen for grinding or scraping noises that suggest pad wear sensors or corroced pads contacting damaged discs. A thorough inspection of the underbody for any emerging corrosion is also advisable on an eleven-year-old vehicle, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe seams, and brake pipe runs, even though the MOT record does not yet show structural advisories. Finally, request evidence of any suspension component replaced following the 2024 ball joint failure, as the nature and quality of that repair will be the most relevant factor in judging the current reliability of the front suspension geometry.