2008 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · SM08 RYR

A chronic weakness in the suspension and corrosion areas dominates this Note’s MOT history, with major failures recorded for the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and pin/bush in 2022 and 2023, and an excessively corroded off‑side rear suspension mounting in 2025. Those structural concerns have been accompanied by recurring tyre‑wear advisories on both rear wheels, most recently noted on the 19 September 2025 pass. While the latest test was a pass, the pattern shows persistent wear and corrosion rather than an improving trend. At 102 174 mi the car averages just under 5 700 mi per year, well below the typical utilisation for an 18‑year‑old vehicle. The low annual mileage suggests lighter overall use, yet the age‑related deterioration of suspension components and chassis corrosion has still progressed, indicating that mileage alone does not protect against wear of bushings, ball joints and mounting points. The yearly MOT cadence shows no large gaps, so the recorded wear reflects steady exposure rather than a period of disuse. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the suspension and related safety items. Listen for clunks or knocks over bumps, feel for any looseness or play in the steering column, and check for uneven tyre wear that could signal mis‑alignment from the worn front arm. The nearside front ball joint and pin/bush are flagged as excessively worn, so replacement of the front suspension arms (or at least the ball joint and bush) is advisable. The off‑side rear suspension mounting shows significant corrosion; visual inspection for rust penetration and structural integrity of the rear subframe is essential, and remedial treatment or reinforcement may be required. The rear tyres are already at the legal limit on the edges, so budgeting for a full rear tyre set is prudent. Additional items requiring attention include the headlamp aim failures recorded in 2023, which must be corrected to meet legal illumination standards, and the persistent lighting faults (off‑side rear registration plate lamp and rear stop lamp) that have failed twice. The minor rear exhaust leak noted in 2024 should be inspected for any increase in severity, and the off‑side front brake disc wear advisory suggests monitoring disc condition and pad thickness. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection covering these specific components, followed by a test drive that checks for suspension noises, steering stability, braking performance and proper lighting, will give a realistic picture of the car’s roadworthiness before committing to purchase.