2007 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · WM07 ASX

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were recorded. An offside rear coil spring was noted as corroded, and the nearside front outer tyre was reported as worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable rather than improving maintenance trend. The car has passed every annual test since the latter part of 2021, but it has carried advisories related to rear coil spring corrosion, perished rear suspension bushes, and rear tyre cracking and edge wear on multiple consecutive examinations. Earlier failures in November 2021, November 2022, and November 2023 concerned relatively minor and easily rectifiable items such as split wiper blades, a failed front position lamp, headlamp lens defects and beam aim issues, and an obstruction on the windscreen, none of which suggest an underlying structural or mechanical concern. The recurrence of the same advisories year after year, particularly the coil spring corrosion and tyre cracking, does however point to age-related deterioration that has not yet been addressed. The recorded mileage of 47,667 miles across approximately 19 years equates to an average of only around 2,500 miles per year, which is very low for a vehicle of its vintage. This pattern of light use is consistent with a car that has likely spent extended periods standing rather than covering regular longer journeys. Such low annual mileage typically results in less wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, but it can conversely accelerate degradation of items that suffer from disuse. Brake discs and calipers can corrode and seize from inactivity, the 12V battery is prone to sulphation and premature failure, rubber components including tyres, suspension bushes, coil springs and weather sealing can perish and crack from age rather than wear, and all fluid-based systems including coolant, brake fluid and engine oil degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the offside rear coil spring that has been flagged for corrosion at four consecutive tests. Coil springs on compact Nissan models of this era are known to suffer surface oxidation and, in more advanced cases, sectional weakening or fracture, which can produce a clonking noise over bumps, a noticeable drop in ride height on one corner, or uneven rear tyre wear. A careful look beneath the vehicle at the offside rear spring is therefore worthwhile, ideally with the wheel removed for a clearer view. The rear suspension arm rear bush, noted as perished and split in 2021, should also be rechecked as perished rubber of that nature tends to progress over time; on a road test, listen for rear suspension knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces and observe whether the vehicle tracks squarely. The recurring rear tyre cracking in the primary grooves and outer edge wear, combined with the nearside front edge wear advisory at the most recent test, suggests a possible tracking or camber issue, or simply that the tyres are ageing out due to natural rubber degradation. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and tread condition, and replacement should be anticipated regardless of remaining tread. Beyond the advisory items, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough age-appropriate inspection given the low mileage and likely long periods of standing. Check that all brake discs rotate freely without any grinding, binding or roughness that would indicate a seized caliper piston or heavily corroded disc surface, and be prepared for disc replacement or caliper refurbishment if standing corrosion has taken hold. Verify the age of the 12V battery, as units over five years old are typically unreliable even if they currently start the car, and confirm that the engine bay coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed within their recommended calendar intervals regardless of the low odometer reading. Inspect all visible rubber hoses and gaiters for cracking, examine the underside for any fluid leaks or undertray damage from kerb contact, and ensure the service book or digital history corroborates time-based servicing rather than just mileage-based schedules. Finally, on the road, confirm that the engine reaches operating temperature promptly, the gearbox selects cleanly through all gears, the steering remains free of clonks or vagueness, and the brakes pull the car up straight without any shudder, pulsation or warning light, as these are common failure points on a low-mileage vehicle that has reached its nineteenth year.