2015 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · SC15 BAV

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, but four advisories were issued and should not be overlooked when evaluating this Nissan Note. Two advisories relate to the nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, indicating uneven wear patterns consistent with front-end misalignment or worn suspension geometry. The remaining two advisories note that the nearside and offside front brake pipes are corroded and covered in grease or other material, which is a recurring theme given similar findings in 2024. Looking at the broader MOT trajectory, the vehicle passed cleanly in 2023 but has accumulated a growing cluster of advisories relating to the front suspension, brake pipes, and front tyres over the 2024 and 2025 tests, culminating in a Major defect for an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint in November 2024 that was presumably rectified prior to the same-day pass. The overall trend suggests a vehicle whose front-end mechanical condition is gradually worsening rather than stable, with multiple interrelated wear issues concentrated on the nearside and offside front assemblies. The recorded mileage of 84,465 over approximately eleven years equates to an annual average of around 7,679 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age in the UK and indicates regular but not heavy use. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually rapid mileage accumulation or extended periods of standing idle, which means the wear patterns observed are more likely the result of normal progressive deterioration rather than neglect or severe use. For a vehicle at this mileage, however, one should still expect attentiveness to typical high-wear items such as the clutch, timing chain or cam belt depending on engine variant, and general drivetrain condition, although none of these are visible from MOT data alone. The recurring front suspension and brake pipe advisories warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The lower suspension arm ball joint failure in 2024 and the persistent advisories for a worn nearside front lower arm pin or bush suggest that the front suspension components are nearing the end of their service life. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over bumps, particularly when turning at low speed or traversing uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness in steering response or wandering tracking. Uneven front tyre wear, as recorded in both 2022 and 2025, often accompanies failing suspension bushes or ball joints, and a fresh set of tyres may mask underlying geometry problems, so ask whether a geometry alignment was carried out after the suspension repair. The brake pipe corrosion advisories, noted in 2024 and 2025 on the front flexi hoses, are particularly significant as corroded brake pipes can lead to hydraulic fluid leaks and brake failure if left untreated; a qualified technician should inspect the entire brake line system for surface corrosion, pitting, and integrity, and the flexi hoses should be considered for replacement as a matter of urgency if not already addressed. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants standard age-related inspection points regardless of a clean MOT history in some areas. Check the tyre sidewalls carefully for cracking or perishing caused by age rather than wear, and inspect the brake discs for corrosion or lipping that may have developed from standing, as binding calipers are common on lightly used town cars. Verify the service book stamps to confirm regular oil and filter changes, and consider replacing the brake fluid, coolant, and spark plugs on a calendar basis if evidence of recent servicing is absent. The 12V battery health should be tested, as batteries beyond five years often struggle in colder months, and inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting points, which is typical for an eleven-year-old vehicle. Finally, ensure the engine and transmission are free of oil leaks, that the cooling system is sound, and that the air conditioning functions correctly, as rectification of any of these systems on a car of this vintage can prove disproportionately expensive.