2009 Nissan Serena 2.0L Petrol · PL59 HTJ

The official DVSA MOT history for this 2009 Nissan Serena reveals a generally stable maintenance trend over the past four years, culminating in a pass on the seventh of May 2026 after an initial failure due to a defective nearside front windscreen wiper blade. This minor initial refusal was swiftly rectified during the same testing session, mirroring a similar pattern from September 2025 where a wiper failure was promptly corrected for a subsequent pass. While the vehicle has required rectification work at recent tests, the presence of consecutive passes indicates that previous owners have generally addressed mechanical shortcomings in a timely manner rather than allowing structural or safety defects to compound over extended periods. With a recorded mileage of 148,607 miles accrued over its seventeen-year lifespan, the vehicle averages approximately 8,742 miles per year, representing entirely typical annual usage for a large family MPV of this era. This steady mileage accumulation suggests the vehicle has been in regular, consistent service rather than suffering from the detrimental effects of prolonged storage or extreme commercial deployment. However, this level of mileage naturally places heavy demands on underlying mechanical infrastructure, meaning high-wear components throughout the chassis, braking system, and drivetrain will have undergone significant operational cycles and require rigorous physical scrutiny during a prospective purchase. Looking closely at the recent advisories and past failures, prospective buyers must pay immediate attention to the braking system and front suspension geometry. The most recent May 2026 MOT test issued advisories for worn rear brake discs and thinning rear brake pads, following a dangerous failure in August 2023 for rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 millimetres. During a test drive, listen carefully for any metallic grinding, squealing, or scraping from the rear axle, and check for any vehicle pull or brake pedal judder under deceleration. Furthermore, the 2023 history noted slight play in both the nearside and offside front track rod end ball joints alongside edge-worn front tyres, defects which can manifest as vague steering feedback, wandering at motorway speeds, or a slight knocking sensation through the steering column when negotiating low-speed bumps. Additional items requiring careful inspection include the minor exhaust gas leak advised at the September 2024 MOT test, which should be visually checked beneath the vehicle for soot trails or blowing joints that could eventually result in cabin fumes or an MOT failure. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, prospective buyers should also verify the health of the 12-volt battery, inspect the auxiliary drive belts for cracking, and request comprehensive documentary proof of regular engine oil and filter changes. Confirming the condition of the suspension wishbone bushes, drop links, and dampeners on a ramp will complete a thorough evaluation, ensuring this versatile Japanese import remains mechanically sound and safe for the road ahead.