2012 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · RO62 EEU

The most recent MOT test on 17 August 2026 resulted in a pass, although three advisories and two minor defects were recorded. The advisory items relate to a deteriorated rear registration plate, an inoperative central high-level stop lamp, and an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, while the minor items note slight lens defects on both front headlamps. Across the four most recent tests, the pattern of items is broadly stable, with the same minor headlamp lens defects and rear number plate deterioration appearing repeatedly rather than any new structural or safety-critical concerns emerging. The only historical failures recorded are a fractured offside front coil spring in July 2023 and a dangerous stop lamp failure in August 2022, both of which were subsequently rectified. The earlier stop lamp issue has clearly not returned given the 2026 advisory only relates to the non-obligatory central lamp, suggesting a pattern of age-related electrical and lamp deterioration rather than a systemic electrical fault. The recorded mileage of 70,976 miles over fourteen years equates to approximately 5,070 miles annually and represents notably low usage for the vehicle's age. The MOT records do not show the individual mileages at each test, but the consistent pattern of advisories rather than component failures, combined with the very modest annual accumulation, suggests a vehicle that has likely spent considerable periods either stationary or used only for short trips. Low annual mileage of this nature carries specific mechanical implications, particularly with regard to brake disc corrosion from lack of regular use, potential brake caliper binding, premature 12V battery degradation from short journeys and standing periods, and accelerated tyre sidewall perishing due to age rather than wear. Brake fluid and coolant will also degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and the absence of recorded advisories in these areas should not be taken as confirmation that they have been recently serviced. Given the recurring advisories relating to tyre wear on the front wheels, it is worth paying particular attention to the condition of the front suspension and steering geometry during any inspection. The 2023 failure for a fractured offside front coil spring indicates that this area has already required attention, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for any clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, which could suggest worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links that often follow spring replacement. The nearside front track rod end dust cover damage noted in 2025 is a minor item but worth checking to ensure it has not deteriorated further, as a perished gaiter will allow water and grit ingress and accelerate joint wear. Any uneven or inner-edge tyre wear on the front pair would indicate an alignment or suspension issue rather than simple consumable wear, and the front brake discs and pads previously flagged as wearing thin or pitted should be physically inspected for current thickness and any lip corrosion that may cause brake shudder under heavy application. Beyond the items recorded on the MOT history, the low-mileage profile warrants several practical checks at the point of purchase. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries that have sat partially discharged or have completed many short cycles on a vehicle of this age frequently fail without warning, particularly as the original unit will now be well beyond its expected service life. All tyres, including the rear pair which have not been flagged, should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing from age, as fourteen-year-old rubber can fail roadworthiness checks regardless of tread depth. Brake caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizure due to infrequent use, and the underside of the vehicle should be inspected for standing corrosion, particularly around suspension components, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe unions, given the known longevity challenges of Nissan vehicles of this era. Finally, the buyer should verify that the timing chain, coolant, and transmission fluid have been changed at calendar-appropriate intervals and request evidence of recent servicing, as low recorded mileage does not negate the requirement for time-based maintenance of seals, hoses, and lubricants.