2009 Nissan Note 1.6L Petrol · SA59 LLO

A recurring pattern of front suspension and drivetrain wear, combined with a persistent automatic gearbox oil leak, defines the mechanical history of this 2009 Nissan Note. The most recent test on 15 July 2026 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, yet the surrounding history tells a more nuanced story. In late 2025, the vehicle failed its MOT on two major items, both relating to deteriorated protective components on the front axle, with the offside front CV boot splitting and the anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers on both sides failing to keep out contamination. Just four days later, on 6 October 2025, it returned with a pass, but a corroded nearside front coil spring was flagged as an advisory. This follows a 2024 test where both front anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers were already recorded as severely deteriorated, and earlier 2022 and 2021 tests where the recurring oil leak from the automatic gearbox was first noted. The pattern points to an undercarriage that is ageing faster than the body, with rubber and protective components on the front suspension and drivetrain reaching the end of their service life. The recorded mileage of 71,562 miles across approximately 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,210 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. While reduced running tends to preserve major drivetrain components, it places greater stress on items that degrade through standing rather than use, such as rubber boots, suspension bushes, gaiters, and transmission seals. This profile aligns with the recorded defects, as the failed CV boot and deteriorated anti-roll bar dust covers are classic low-mileage ageing failures, where the rubber perishes and cracks rather than wearing through mechanical movement. The persistent automatic gearbox oil seepage observed across four consecutive tests since 2021 is also consistent with a transmission that has spent long periods stationary, allowing seals to harden and shrink. The relatively even mileage progression between tests, with no sudden jumps or long unexplained gaps in the recorded history, suggests the odometer reading has not been disrupted by administrative errors or long off-road periods. For a prospective buyer, the most immediate inspection priorities are the front suspension and drivetrain sealing components, as these have produced every recorded failure and the majority of advisories. The nearside front coil spring flagged as corroded in 2025 should be physically examined for surface pitting, flaking, or any loss of material at the lower coils, and the vehicle should be jacked to check the front anti-roll bar drop links and ball joints for perished or split dust covers, excess play, or any binding when the wheels are manually rocked. A road test should focus on front-end clonks or rattles over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and any vagueness or knocking through the steering rack that could indicate further linkage deterioration. The offside front outer CV joint, which split in 2025, should be checked for fresh grease contamination around the boot, any clicking noises on full-lock turns, and vibration through the transmission under load. The automatic gearbox oil leak, recorded as a minor seepage in 2021, 2022, 2023, and again in 2024, warrants close attention before purchase. The underside of the transmission, bell housing, and surrounding heat shields should be inspected for fresh wet oil rather than the dry staining one might expect from a stable long-term seep. The gearbox fluid itself should be checked for a clean red or pink colour and a non-burnt smell, and a road test should include steady acceleration, gentle hill climbs, and slow-speed manoeuvring to detect any shudder, slipping, or delayed engagement that would suggest the leak is progressing toward a more serious failure. Given the recurring advisories on front brake pad wear from 2022, the thickness of all four brake pads and the condition of the discs, including lipping and surface corrosion, should be measured and inspected. Finally, the headlamp aim, which was a fail item in 2023, should be verified against a flat wall in the dark to confirm both beams sit at the correct height and do not dazzle oncoming traffic.