2008 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · SD08 DXR

The 2008 Nissan Note presents a mixed maintenance picture. Its most recent MOT on 9 October 2025 at 91,298 miles ended in a failure for a single offside rear stop lamp, which was rectified on the same day to secure a pass. The trend in advisories is stable rather than resolving. Recurring items flagged across multiple tests include worn front sub-frame rear bushes, a binding offside front caliper, corrosion to the front sub-frame and Macpherson strut, and an oil leak described as not excessive. These advisories have persisted since at least 2023, indicating the previous owner tolerated minor defects rather than addressing them proactively. The vehicle has covered approximately 91,298 miles over roughly 18 years, averaging around 5,072 miles per year. This is notably low for its age. The MOT record shows a gap of over twelve months between the June 2024 failure and the October 2025 test, during which the mileage increased by only 2,216 miles. Such low annual use raises the possibility of long periods standing still, which can accelerate rubber deterioration and localised corrosion on components like sub-frame bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounts. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and sub-frame area. The October 2025 test flagged both front sub-frame rear bushes worn, the front sub-frame itself corroded, and the offside Macpherson strut corroded. The June 2024 failure involved a fractured offside front coil spring, and the October 2025 test noted corrosion on the nearside rear coil spring. Suspension components on this car have clearly been operating in a corrosive environment, and any clunking from the front over speed bushes warrants immediate investigation. The braking system also needs a thorough check. The offside front service brake has been flagged as binding but not excessively in both the 2025 and 2023 tests, suggesting a caliper that has been sticking for at least three years. Combined with scored front brake discs noted in 2023 and a corroded rear brake drum, the braking efficiency could be uneven. The persistent oil leak, though repeatedly deemed not excessive, should be traced to its source, as it may be weeping onto rubber hoses or contaminating brake components. A pre-purchase inspection should include a road test specifically checking for pulling under braking and any front-end knocking.