2013 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · VE13 VNB

The most recent MOT, conducted on 19 May 2026 at 52,403 miles, passed. However, the maintenance trend is not straightforwardly improving. While the 2026 test cleared the vehicle, it flagged two advisories: weak front washers and corroded rear shock absorber outer casings. The corrosion finding is the more significant of the two, as it points to active deterioration of a suspension component rather than a simple top-up issue. Comparing this to the 2025 test at 50,104 miles, the suspension faults have evolved. The 2025 failure identified excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joints and worn anti-roll bar linkage play on both sides. The subsequent 2025 pass suggests these items were addressed, yet the 2026 advisory on the rear shock casings indicates the vehicle is now presenting corrosion-related wear at the opposite end of the chassis. The pattern is one of shifting suspension and corrosion concerns rather than a clean resolution. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2013 vehicle. At 52,403 miles over roughly thirteen years, the annual average sits around 4,000 miles. The record shows a gap of approximately 2,299 miles between the May 2025 test at 50,104 miles and the May 2026 test at 52,403 miles, which is consistent with this low annual use. The earlier history shows a similar pattern, with 2,595 miles covered between the May 2024 test at 47,509 miles and the May 2025 test. This is not a high-mileage vehicle, and the MOT record is clean and consistent with no gaps or anomalies in testing frequency. Low mileage can reduce wear on consumables, but it does not eliminate the risk of age-related deterioration, particularly corrosion, which the 2026 advisory directly confirms. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the suspension and structural corrosion. The rear shock absorber outer casings were noted as corroded in the most recent test. This requires close visual examination to determine whether the corrosion is surface-level or has compromised the structural integrity of the unit, as a corroded shock casing can lead to mounting point failure. The front suspension has a documented history of wear in the anti-roll bar linkages and suspension arm bushes and ball joints, with faults appearing in both the 2024 and 2025 tests. Although these were rectified to pass the 2025 retest, the buyer should check for any play or knocking in these components, as the underlying condition may have stressed surrounding areas. The tyre history also warrants attention. The 2024 test flagged a structural lump on the offside front tyre and perishing on the nearside front, indicating the previous owner ran damaged rubber for a period. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, cracking, or sidewall damage, and verify the date codes to confirm they are recent replacements.