2013 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · VE13 VNN

The Nissan Note’s most recent MOT, conducted on 14 July 2025 at 105,477 miles, passed with no defects—a clean result that suggests the vehicle was in a sound state at that time. However, the preceding year’s history reveals a critical issue: the near-side front coil spring fractured or broke during the 30 July 2024 test, forcing an immediate fail. This was not an isolated incident, as the same suspension component had already shown signs of deterioration in the prior test on the same date, where the anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover was severely deteriorated—a common precursor to joint or spring failure. The fact that the car passed in July 2023 with no issues, only to encounter these suspension problems a year later, indicates either deferred maintenance or a latent design weakness in that specific area. While the most recent MOT shows no active defects, the coil spring failure is a serious red flag that demands immediate attention, as a fractured spring can compromise steering stability and tyre wear. The Note’s mileage accumulation—105,477 miles over roughly 13 years—averages around 8,114 miles per year, which is typical for its age and suggests moderate use rather than heavy commuting or fleet operation. The gaps between MOTs are consistent, with tests spaced roughly annually, and mileage increases align with expected annual driving patterns. There’s no evidence of rapid mileage buildup that might indicate neglect, but the coil spring failure in 2024 disrupts this otherwise stable trend. The absence of defects in the July 2023 and July 2025 tests contrasts sharply with the 2024 failures, implying that either the spring was replaced post-fail or the issue was ignored until it became critical. The nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit in 2022 also hints at uneven loading or a previous alignment issue, though this was resolved before the next test. For a buyer, the primary concern is the suspension system, particularly the near-side front coil spring and associated components. A fractured spring must be replaced immediately, and the anti-roll bar ball joint should be inspected for wear or corrosion, as its dust cover deterioration in 2024 signals potential joint failure. The washer jet blockage, while minor, suggests fluid leaks or debris ingress that could affect visibility—something to check during wet weather. Tyre condition should also be verified, as the 2022 MOT noted uneven wear, which may recur if alignment or balancing was not addressed. Beyond these, structural integrity—such as sills, wheel arches, and exhaust mounts—should be scrutinised for corrosion, especially given the vehicle’s age. The absence of recent defects in the most recent MOT is encouraging, but the coil spring failure demands urgent verification before purchase.