2015 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · YG65 DHC

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 November 2024 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents the strongest possible current MOT position and confirms that the vehicle satisfied all statutory roadworthiness requirements on that date. Looking at the broader test history, the trend is fundamentally stable. The car has passed every annual test since the single failure in September 2018, with only one subsequent test, that of 31 October 2023, carrying advisories. There is no escalating pattern of recurring defects, no repeat advisories on suspension or braking components, and no deterioration in exhaust or structural condition noted across the eight examinations on record. This consistency over multiple consecutive tests indicates that the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard and that the advisory issues previously flagged were addressed at the time rather than allowed to progress into failures. With a recorded mileage of 33,359 miles spread across approximately eleven years, this Nissan Note averages around 3,000 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual usage of a vehicle of this age and segment. Such a low annual figure suggests one of two usage profiles: either genuinely light use with regular but short journeys, or extended periods of standing or very occasional use between MOTs. The MOT history supports the latter to some degree, as there are noticeable gaps between examinations in some years, and low-mileage vehicles accumulate calendar-related degradation that is not reflected in the odometer reading. Mechanically, this means wear-sensitive components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and drivetrain internals will show less mileage-related wear than typical, while time-sensitive items including rubber seals, coolant, brake fluid, and battery condition will require closer scrutiny due to age rather than use. For a prospective buyer, the advisory items recorded in late 2023 deserve attention even though they did not cause a failure. The nearside and offside rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged, cracking or perishing, and the nearside rear tyre was additionally flagged as worn close to the legal limit. Tyre sidewall perishing is a common age-related condition on vehicles with low annual mileage and prolonged standing, as flexing under load is insufficient to disperse surface ozone damage and UV degradation. On inspection, the sidewalls should be examined for visible cracking, particularly in the flex zone between tread and shoulder, and the tread depth should be measured across the full width rather than just the central grooves, as edge wear can otherwise be missed. Both rear tyres should ideally be renewed as a matched pair regardless of apparent remaining tread, given that the advisory was issued over two years prior to the current date. Given the 2015 model year, the original 12-volt battery will almost certainly be due for replacement if not already changed, and a load test or at minimum a voltage check with the engine off should be requested. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be replaced on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, with a two-year interval being standard practice, meaning any fluid still original to the vehicle would now be well beyond its service life. Similarly, the engine coolant, automatic transmission fluid if applicable, and the cabin pollen filter will all benefit from age-based replacement. On a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be paid to evidence of prolonged standing, as this is the more likely concern given the mileage profile. Brake discs, particularly the rear drums or rear discs fitted to this model, may have developed light surface corrosion from infrequent use, which typically clears under braking but can indicate seized or binding calipers if accompanied by uneven pad wear or a dragging sensation. The suspension should be listened for any clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular regard to the front suspension and top mounts given the older CV joint boot failure recorded in 2018, although this was a one-off and the vehicle has passed cleanly since. The exhaust system should be checked for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, as eleven-year-old exhausts on low-use cars can show advanced rust through despite modest mileage. On starting from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle or unusual diesel-style clatter, though the Note is predominantly petrol, and verify that all warning lights extinguish promptly. Finally, confirm that the service book contains evidence of regular annual servicing irrespective of mileage, as time-based oil changes remain essential even where annual distance covered is low, and any gaps in the service record should be treated as a negotiation point or a prompt for an immediate interim service upon purchase.