2012 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · VF12 KVA

The 2012 Nissan Note presents a stable and largely reassuring roadworthiness profile, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 14 August 2025 at 163,780 miles with zero defects recorded. The maintenance trend is clearly improving. A failed test on the same date at the same mileage flagged a worn nearside front suspension ball joint, a perished anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, and an incorrect headlamp aim. The subsequent pass confirms these specific items were rectified, demonstrating a responsive owner who addressed the failures promptly rather than ignoring them. The mileage accumulation of roughly 11,700 miles per year is entirely typical for a vehicle of this age and does not raise concerns about excessive wear or suspiciously low use. The record shows a consistent annual testing pattern, with tests clustered around mid-August each year. Mileage progression is steady and logical, jumping from 132,053 miles in August 2023 to 152,999 miles in August 2024, an increase of approximately 20,946 miles in twelve months, before slowing to 10,781 miles over the following year to reach 163,780 miles by August 2025. There are no alarming gaps or implausible jumps in the odometer record. The 2023 failure involved multiple lighting defects, including a non-functioning offside stop lamp and both front position lamps, which suggests a period of basic electrical upkeep being overlooked, though these were clearly resolved ahead of the 2024 pass. More structurally relevant is the 2025 failure concerning the nearside front suspension ball joint and anti-roll bar linkage dust cover. A worn ball joint at this mileage is not unusual on a Nissan Note, but the presence of a split dust cover indicates the joint was exposed to contamination for some time before replacement. A prospective buyer should physically inspect the offside front suspension components for equivalent wear, as uneven road forces typically affect both sides. The subframe, inner wing arches, and suspension mounting points should be checked for corrosion, particularly given the vehicle's age and the likelihood of surface rust developing around the front suspension turret areas. Brake discs and pads deserve close scrutiny given the mileage, and a road test should confirm the handbrake holds firmly on a gradient, as binding rear brakes are a common issue on this platform at higher mileages. The headlamp aim correction noted in the 2025 failure should be verified by checking both beams against a flat surface to ensure the aim has not drifted since the repair.