2015 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · WK65 YSW

Chronic front brake wear and recurring nearside sill deformation form the defining mechanical narrative for this 2015 Nissan Note. The most recent test on 6 October 2025 produced a pass alongside a renewed advisory for the deformed nearside outer sill, a defect first flagged three years earlier in October 2023 when the same sill area was noted as having reduced structural rigidity. Front brake components have now appeared across two consecutive tests, with the October 2023 retest recording dangerously worn front brake pads under 1.5mm thick and accompanying advisories for worn but not yet excessive front brake discs. The dangerous brake pad finding was clearly rectified in time for the subsequent annual tests, but the persistence of the sill deformation advisory indicates an area that should be physically inspected before purchase, as MOT advisories only confirm that rigidity is not yet significantly compromised, not that the deformation is stable. Annual mileage of approximately 5,334 miles over an eleven-year life is notably low and points to light-duty usage rather than long-distance commuter work. The DVSA record shows consistent annual testing with no multi-year lay-up gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular if modest use throughout its life. Such low mileage generally preserves engine, gearbox, and drivetrain longevity, but it does increase the likelihood of dry corrosion on underbody components, seized calipers from infrequent braking, and perishing rubber items such as coolant hoses, drive belts, and suspension bushes that suffer as much from age as from mileage accumulation. Given the vehicle's age, deterioration of rubber and plastic components should be anticipated regardless of the modest odometer reading. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front brake system as a priority, given the documented dangerous pad wear and the disc advisories. On a test drive, listen for any binding or rubbing noises from the front wheels when coasting in gear, which would suggest a seizing caliper, and apply the brakes firmly at low speed to feel for any judder or pulsing through the brake pedal indicative of disc runout following uneven wear. Inspect the nearside sill closely for any progression of the deformation noted in the MOT record, looking for signs of cracking, separation, or fresh corrosion around the deformed area, and check the inner sill and jacking points for hidden corrosion that MOT testers cannot see. The nearside and offside front tyres should also be examined closely for inner-edge wear, as the 2024 test recorded nearside and offside front tyres worn on edge, which can suggest a tracking or suspension geometry issue that warrants further investigation. The windscreen damage and defective wiper blade flagged as minors on the latest test are cosmetic and easily resolved, but the front suspension should still be assessed given the overall age and the proximity of components that may have been stressed by minor impacts or kerbing. On test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings. Steering should feel precise with no pulling to either side under braking or acceleration, and the clutch should engage smoothly without judder or slip given the relatively low mileage. A thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the subframe, would be prudent on any eleven-year-old Nissan Note, as salt exposure over the winters will have taken its toll on components that have never been documented as defective but are equally untested by the MOT station.