2010 Nissan Note 1.6L Petrol · WN60 DPZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 September 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive position for any prospective buyer and indicates that the vehicle was considered roadworthy across all statutory testable items at that point. Reviewing the broader pattern, the car has demonstrated largely stable compliance, passing on five of the last six attempts since 2021 and only failing once, on 28 September 2022, due to a dangerous nearside front outer tyre tear caused by structural separation. Notably, that failure was rectified and a pass secured the following day, suggesting prompt remedial action rather than neglect. An advisory issued in October 2024 regarding slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint warrants attention, as suspension wear of this nature tends to progress with continued use and may ultimately require renewal, but its presence as an advisory rather than a failure indicates it was within acceptable tolerances at the time of test. The 2020 advisories concerning front brake disc wear were not repeated in subsequent tests, implying that either the discs were deemed serviceable or remedial work was undertaken. With 110,067 miles recorded against a vehicle now approximately sixteen years old, the average annual mileage equates to roughly 6,879 miles, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a small family hatchback of this era and age. The MOT record demonstrates consistent annual testing since 2020, reflecting regular use and therefore a reasonable likelihood that the mechanical components have been worked rather than left standing for prolonged periods. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest extended periods of inactivity, which is favourable, as low or irregular use can lead to issues like seized brake calipers, deteriorated brake fluid, corroded brake disc surfaces, and perished rubber components. The mileage accumulation appears steady and proportionate, reducing the likelihood of calendar-related deterioration that often affects lower mileage vehicles of comparable age. Given the advisory concerning the offside front suspension arm ball joint, particular attention should be paid during any test drive to audible or tactile irregularities from the front suspension. Symptoms to listen for include clonking or knocking noises transmitted through the body or steering when traversing speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as well as vague or imprecise steering response and uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner or outer shoulder feathering. On inspection, the ball joint dust cover should be examined for splits or grease leakage, and the joint itself should be checked for excessive rotational or vertical play when the wheel is unloaded. If play has progressed since the advisory, the affected arm may now be approaching the threshold for replacement, and a reputable garage should be asked to confirm its current condition prior to purchase. Beyond the recorded advisories, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection appropriate to the vehicle's age and mileage. All four tyres, including the spare, should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, or bulging associated with age rather than wear alone, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of tread depth. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as units beyond five years of service are prone to failure, particularly in colder conditions. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for surface corrosion and binding, especially given the likelihood of short urban journeys typical of this mileage profile, and the brake fluid should be checked for age-related moisture absorption, with replacement recommended if it has not been serviced within the last two years. Similarly, the coolant and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be verified against the manufacturer's service schedule, as time-based degradation can compromise system integrity even where mileage is modest. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion at joints and mounting points, the timing chain or belt service interval confirmed against current mileage, and the service history verified to ensure that regular oil and filter changes have been documented, all of which are critical to ensuring continued reliability from this sixteen-year-old Nissan Note.