2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · VE59 TYK

The vehicle achieved a standard pass at the most recent MOT examination dated 9 February 2026, accompanied by three recorded advisories. Reviewing the chronological progression of MOT outcomes, the maintenance trend is showing early signs of worsening rather than remaining stable. The 2024 test returned a completely clean pass, but the 2025 examination introduced advisories concerning rear suspension component mounting corrosion, and the 2026 test escalated matters with a rear exhaust gas leak alongside further structural corrosion advisories on both rear chassis mounting areas. While none of these items have yet crossed the threshold into failure categories, their cumulative presence on consecutive tests warrants careful attention. The recurring theme of rear structural and suspension area corrosion is a common concern on a vehicle of this age and warrants immediate scrutiny. With a recorded mileage of 140,615 miles spread across approximately seventeen years of service, this Nissan Note has accumulated an annual average of around 8,271 miles, which is broadly typical for its age bracket and suggests consistent rather than sporadic usage. There are no extended gaps or unusually rapid accumulation periods evident in the recorded MOT entries, with mileage progressing steadily between tests. This kind of regular usage is generally favourable mechanically, as it tends to keep seals, brakes, and drivetrain components functioning rather than allowing corrosion and fluid degradation associated with prolonged standing. However, at 140,615 miles, certain major service items such as timing chain or belt verification, clutch wear, and general drivetrain condition will be approaching or past their expected service life depending on powertrain specification. Given the rear structural corrosion advisories appearing on both the 2025 and 2026 tests, a prospective buyer should arrange for the vehicle to be physically inspected on a ramp to assess the extent of any chassis corrosion beyond the immediate 30cm of the mounting points. Listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven rear tyre wear which could indicate compromised suspension geometry from corroded components. The rear exhaust leak advisory suggests the silencer or intermediate pipe joint may be failing; on a test drive, listen for an excessively loud exhaust note or ticking from underneath the rear of the vehicle, particularly on cold start. Additionally, the 2023 advisory regarding offside front brake binding should prompt verification that the caliper slides freely and that the disc is not excessively worn or scored, as binding calipers lead to uneven pad wear, pulling under braking, and potential disc overheating. Beyond the recorded items, the age and mileage of this vehicle demand a thorough inspection of age-related consumables that do not necessarily appear on MOT records. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully examined for perishing or cracking from age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, and the age code on the sidewall should be checked. The 12-volt battery health should be verified as units of this age frequently suffer reduced capacity, leading to starting difficulties in colder weather. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges at the outer edge, which is common on vehicles used for light duties or standing periods. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid where applicable will be well past their recommended replacement intervals on a calendar basis, so verification of recent fluid services through the service book stamps or receipts is essential. Finally, confirm the operation of the registration plate lamps given the minor defect recorded in 2022, and verify that headlamp alignment has remained correct since the PRS failure in 2021.