2008 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · SD08 DXS

The Nissan Note presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 19 August 2025 at 87,650 miles passed, but only after a failure on the same day for an excessively worn Offside Front suspension arm ball joint. That defect was a direct progression from a "slight play" advisory noted in August 2024, indicating the joint deteriorated over roughly 4,000 miles. The fact the car failed and was retested on the same day suggests the previous owner addressed the immediate failure, yet the underlying pattern of front-end wear remains unresolved. The maintenance trend is not stable; it shows a recurring front suspension issue that has worsened from advisory to failure within twelve months. At 87,650 miles over approximately eighteen years, the annual average of around 4,869 miles is notably low. The mileage progression is clean and consistent, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps between tests. From 79,323 miles in August 2023 to 83,619 miles in August 2024, the car covered 4,296 miles. The following year it added 4,031 miles to reach 87,650. This steady, low-mileage accumulation suggests light urban or short-trip use rather than sustained motorway driving, which can accelerate wear on consumables like tyres and brakes despite the modest odometer reading. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The Offside Front suspension arm ball joint has been flagged in three consecutive tests, escalating from slight play to excessive wear. Check for play in both front suspension arms, track rod ends, and inner bushes, and inspect the condition of the coil springs for sag or corrosion. The 2024 failure noted both front brake discs as significantly worn, and the 2023 pass flagged inner disc wear and pitting. Examine disc thickness, lip wear, and pad condition carefully, as repeated disc advisories suggest the braking system has been a persistent weak point. The Nearside Front tyre wearing on the inner edge, flagged in both 2025 tests, points to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry components. Have the four-wheel alignment checked before purchase. Tyre condition also warrants close attention. Inner edge wear on the Nearside Front and worn-close-to-limit advisories on both the Offside Front and Nearside Rear in 2023 suggest uneven wear patterns that may reflect alignment issues or prolonged underinflation. Inspect all four tyres for uneven tread wear, sidewall damage, and date codes, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. Given the car's age, also examine the underside for corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframe, and sills, as structural integrity can deteriorate even on low-mileage vehicles that have stood for extended periods.