2014 Nissan Note 1.5L Diesel · WM14 XRB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 April 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, but it follows a failure recorded just a week earlier on 1 April 2026 for an off‑side headlamp that was aimed too low and, more significantly, an excessively worn off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush. Prior to that the vehicle has shown a pattern of tyre‑wear advisories each year and recurring deterioration of front suspension ball‑joint dust covers. Overall the maintenance record is mixed: while the car has consistently passed the majority of its annual tests, the recent failure and the persistence of tyre‑wear and suspension‑related advisories indicate a slight deterioration rather than a steady improvement. At twelve years old the car has accumulated 74,114 miles, which works out to just over 6,000 miles per annum – well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as much a concern as high mileage because components may have aged without the benefit of regular operation. The relatively modest mileage means that major wear items such as engine internals and transmission are likely still within their design life, but age‑related degradation of rubber, elastomers and corrosion‑prone parts must be considered. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension on the off‑side. The MOT failure highlights an excessively worn arm pin or bush, which can manifest as a clunk or knock when navigating bumps, especially under braking or acceleration. Verify that the bushings are free of play and that the arm pin is not corroded; replacement is advisable if any movement is detectable. Inspect both front ball‑joint dust covers for severe cracking or missing material, as the 2020 and 2022 advisories suggest progressive deterioration that can allow contaminants into the joint and accelerate wear. Check the headlamp alignment on the off‑side – a mis‑aimed lamp not only caused the MOT failure but can reduce night‑time visibility and may indicate a loose mounting point or worn headlamp housing. Finally, examine all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear patterns; the repeated advisories about rear tyre wear and cracking on all corners suggest that the current set may be approaching the end of its serviceable life and should be measured against the 3 mm legal minimum and replaced if any perishing is evident. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of age‑related items is essential. Look for ageing of the 12 V battery terminals, corrosion on cable joints and any signs of electrolyte leakage, as batteries left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Inspect the brake discs and pads for rust, glazing or uneven wear – standing for months can cause disc surface corrosion that may lead to pulsation when braking. Verify that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) are topped up and that the fluids are not discoloured or contaminated; calendar‑based fluid changes are recommended even if mileage is low. Finally, check for any rust or corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and suspension mounting points, especially in the under‑carriage, as prolonged inactivity can allow moisture to accumulate and compromise structural integrity. Addressing these points will give a clear indication of the car’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that a buyer should budget for.