2010 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · OY10 HCX

A clear pattern of structural and suspension deterioration defines this Nissan's MOT record, despite the vehicle consistently passing its annual tests. Across the most recent three examinations (2023, 2024 and 2025), advisories have accumulated around the front and rear suspension assemblies and their mounting points, with multiple references to corroded Macpherson strut bodies, corroded coil springs on the nearside, and corroded inner wing and outer sill suspension mounting areas. Front suspension arm rearmost bushes have been flagged in three consecutive tests for partial de-bonding, although the examiner has consistently judged movement not to be excessive at the time of testing. The 2021 test produced the most serious mechanical defect recorded, with both rear wheel bearings failing on rough rotation, and the 2023 attempt recorded two PRS (pass after rectification) items relating to headlamp aim and a non-functional rear fog lamp. The 2025 test was a clean pass with only minor cosmetic items noted, but the underlying advisory history indicates an ageing undercarriage that is progressively falling victim to corrosion rather than a vehicle with a strongly maintained mechanical record. The recorded mileage of 73,918 against a 2010 registration equates to roughly 4,620 miles per year over the vehicle's life, which is notably low and could reflect either light use or extended periods of standing. The MOT history itself shows annual testing from 2020 onwards with no significant gaps, and the mileage progression between tests (from 2020 through to the 2025 entry) is broadly consistent with modest annual additions, suggesting the car has been in regular but limited use rather than laid up for multi-year stretches. Mechanically, lower annual mileage on a sixteen-year-old vehicle can mean slower wear on drivetrain and braking components, but it also commonly produces the kind of dry, surface-level corrosion seen in the suspension and structural advisories here, particularly when the vehicle is stored outside or used predominantly for short journeys where moisture does not burn off the underbody. The combination of low mileage and age is fully consistent with the rust-related advisories on coil springs, strut bodies and inner wing areas, and buyers should weigh whether the reduced mechanical wear offsets the corrosion risk on a car of this vintage. The suspension advisories are the single most important area to evaluate on a physical inspection and test drive. With rearmost front arm bushes described as partly de-bonded across three tests, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps, rough roads and during full-lock manoeuvres, and should feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response. Corroded coil springs, particularly those flagged on the nearside front and rear, can sometimes produce uneven ride height or visible sagging; the car should be parked on level ground and the gaps between the tyre and wheel arch compared side to side. Macpherson strut body corrosion and corroded suspension mounting areas on the inner wings and outer sills are worth examining from underneath with a torch, pressing gently with a screwdriver to assess whether the surface rust is purely cosmetic or has begun to perforate, as MOT advisories only record corrosion that is not yet considered serious. Any progression from the 2024 advisories to deeper structural weakness would warrant a more detailed underbody examination by a specialist. The remaining advisories and historic failures point to several other worthwhile checks. The oil leak flagged in 2022 should be investigated by inspecting the underbody and engine for fresh residue, particularly around the sump, cam cover and oil filter housing, and checking the oil level and dipstick for creamy residue that might indicate a head gasket concern rather than a simple gasket seep. The 2021 failure of both rear wheel bearings means replacements were fitted at that time, but a buyer should still listen for a drone or hum that rises with speed and changes when cornering, which would indicate a renewed bearing issue. The 2023 headlamp aim adjustment and fog lamp bulb replacement are minor electrical items, but it is sensible to verify that all exterior lamps function and that the headlamp beam pattern sits correctly on a flat surface, as Japanese-market vehicles and older Nissan Notes are occasionally fitted with aftermarket or mismatched bulbs. Finally, the cosmetic minor items recorded in 2025 (a damaged offside mirror and a windscreen chip) are straightforward, but any chips should be checked for length and position relative to the driver's swept area to confirm they remain within legal tolerances going forward.