2008 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · ST08 CFJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 October 2025 produced a Pass, but it should be read in conjunction with the simultaneous Fail recorded on the same date for serious mechanical reasons. The Major defects identified at that time were excessive wear to both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, together with an excessively binding offside front service brake. Because these were categorised as Major rather than Dangerous, the vehicle was repaired and subsequently presented for re-test the same day, achieving a Pass with no advisories recorded. Nevertheless, the sudden appearance of three Major defects on an 18-year-old car that had previously enjoyed a run of clean annual passes suggests that suspension and brake components have now reached the threshold of deterioration typical of a vehicle of this age. A prospective buyer should treat the recent history as indicative of a vehicle whose consumable chassis components are now entering a phase requiring closer attention, rather than as evidence of a fundamentally neglected car. With 60,856 miles recorded over 18 years, this Nissan Note averages roughly 3,380 miles per year, which is substantially below the typical annual mileage of a family hatchback of this era. Low recorded mileage of this nature often reflects either light private use or extended periods of standing between MOTs, and a careful review of the test dates does show some lengthy intervals, with roughly twelve months separating each annual examination. Such low usage is beneficial for major drivetrain components such as the engine and gearbox, which generally suffer less wear, but it brings its own set of age-related concerns. Vehicles that stand for prolonged periods are prone to brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, deteriorated rubber components, and fluid degradation through calendar ageing rather than mechanical wear. The recorded defects, particularly the binding offside front brake, are entirely consistent with this pattern of light or intermittent use over many years. Given the recent suspension arm bush failures and the brake binding issue, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused physical inspection and a thorough test drive before purchase. The front suspension should be examined with the vehicle raised if possible, paying particular attention to the lower wishbone bushes for cracking, splitting, or any lateral movement when the wheel is rocked by hand. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and when turning at low speed, as these would indicate that the replacement bushes are themselves wearing or have been incorrectly fitted. The offside front brake should be road-tested for symptoms of binding, including a pulling sensation to one side under braking, a hot or acrid smell from that wheel after driving, and uneven or polished appearance on the nearside front brake disc edge, which would suggest the offside is dragging and overworking the opposite corner. It is also worth checking that the brake pedal returns cleanly and that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as seized calipers and rear brake mechanisms are common on low-mileage cars of this vintage. Beyond the chassis and brake concerns flagged by the recent MOT, the buyer should perform the usual age-related checks that apply to any 18-year-old vehicle regardless of its recorded mileage. All four tyres, including the spare if fitted, should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, because rubber compounds degrade with age even where tread depth remains legal, and the nearside front tyre previously attracted an advisory for edge wear in 2021 which merits a check of current camber and tracking settings. The 12-volt battery is likely to be approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested rather than judged on cranking speed alone. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid if fitted should all be regarded as due for renewal on a time basis, as fluid chemistry deteriorates irrespective of use. Finally, examine the underside and wheel arches for surface corrosion, ensure all warning lamps extinguish correctly after ignition, and verify that the service book or digital history shows evidence of regular timing chain or cambelt inspection intervals appropriate to the engine fitted, since neglected timing components are a common cause of expensive failure on vehicles of this age.