2012 Nissan Note 1.6L Petrol · RO12 LBG

The 2012 Nissan Note carries a current valid MOT certificate following its most recent test on 14 October 2025, which returned a pass. However, the history shows a clear pattern of annual retests in October, with recorded failures on both 14 October 2025 and 14 October 2024 that were followed immediately by passes on the same dates, which strongly suggests minor advisory or near-failure items were rectified between tests. Crucially, the DVSA records show no defects or advisories entered for any of these tests, indicating that whatever issues were addressed on the failed attempts were not formally categorised as advisories on the subsequent pass certificates. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, with the vehicle consistently achieving a roadworthy classification despite low recorded mileage typical of its age bracket. With 75,366 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged just 5,383 miles per year, which is notably low for any car and considerably below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 mile annual average. The MOT history confirms this pattern of light use across multiple test cycles, with no recorded mileages between the documented tests showing any dramatic accumulation. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature carries particular implications for component degradation through standing rather than wear, as brake discs and calipers can corrode and seize from infrequent operation, suspension bushes and coil springs can deteriorate from lack of regular loading cycles, and rubber components can perish from age rather than mechanical fatigue. The relatively even test cycle also suggests the vehicle has not been left unused for prolonged periods, which is a positive indicator for overall condition. Given the absence of recorded advisories, the buyer must rely on age-and-mileage-appropriate physical inspection rather than DVSA defect history to assess condition. Tyres warrant particular attention, as the vehicle will likely still be running on rubber that is several years old despite potentially having unused tread depth, and sidewalls should be checked carefully for cracking, perishing, and ozone degradation which can compromise structural integrity long before the tread wears down. The braking system should be examined for signs of corrosion on the discs, particularly on the inner faces, and the caliper slide pins and pistons should be verified for free movement to ensure the brakes are not binding after periods of light use. Exhaust mounting rubbers, underfloor corrosion, and the condition of the flexible exhaust sections should also be visually inspected, as these deteriorate with age and exposure rather than mileage accumulation. Service history verification is equally critical for this vehicle, as the buyer should confirm that time-based maintenance items have been attended to regardless of the low odometer reading. Engine oil and filter should have been changed at least annually even with this mileage level, and the 12V battery should be load tested as Nissan electrical systems are sensitive to voltage drop and a battery older than five years will likely require replacement. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should all be considered for renewal based on calendar age rather than mileage, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and prone to boiling point reduction after three to four years. On the test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces which would suggest perished bushes, check for brake shudder or pull indicating warped or corroded discs, and verify that the steering is free from excess play which can develop in ageing rack and pinion assemblies. A compression test or at minimum a thorough diagnostic scan would also be prudent given the vehicle's age, to confirm internal engine health and identify any stored fault codes that would not have triggered an MOT failure.