2016 Nissan Note 1.2L Petrol · YS65 OEY

The 2016 Nissan Note presents a mechanical profile dominated by recurring front-end system failures despite a generally stable recent trajectory. Two failed MOT assessments occurred within a narrow window spanning late 2024 and early 2026, with the most recent failure on 2024-07-19 citing excessively worn front suspension arm ball joints and the subsequent failure on 2026-08-03 noting similar front brake disc deterioration, yet the vehicle achieved a passing result on 2026-08-04 with only a minor advisory regarding pitting. This pattern suggests that while the car currently clears its roadworthiness test, the underlying issues affecting critical safety components have persisted across multiple assessments and represent a genuine concern for long-term reliability rather than a one-off incident. The recorded mileage of 49,955 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle translates to approximately 4,996 miles per annum, which is anomalously low compared to standard usage expectations for a decade-old passenger car and raises questions about the true extent of the vehicle's operational life. There is no evidence of a rapid mileage increase in the official history, but the absence of a continuous test record between the 2024-07-19 and 2026-08-03 failures—spanning nearly eight months—is typical given the slow consumption rate. The two consecutive failures in late 2024 were followed by a pass in mid-2025 and another pass in July 2026, indicating that the car has been intermittently stored or used sparingly since its last successful assessment, which likely contributed to the preserved appearance of the components now showing degradation. Focused examination should prioritise the front suspension linkages where the 2024-07-19 failure identified excessively worn ball joints on the nearside front suspension arm, a condition that can manifest as a distinct knocking noise over bumps and potential loss of damping control. A test drive should pay particular attention to any audible clunking when navigating uneven surfaces or during hard cornering, as worn ball joints often produce characteristic impacts that precede complete failure. Equally important is the front brake disc history, which appeared on every MOT from 2023 onward, with the 2026-08-04 pass confirming the discs remain pitted or scored but not critically compromised; however, the cumulative effect of repeated front brake work suggests the braking system will continue to require monitoring even if it cleared its current test. The front anti-roll bar ball joint failure documented on 2024-07-19 represents another critical point of concern, as this component influences lateral stability and can degrade progressively until catastrophic failure occurs under stress. During a test drive, the buyer should assess whether the car maintains consistent steering response when cornering sharply and whether any vibration or pulling sensation develops during turns. Given the pattern of front-suspension and braking issues persisting across multiple assessments, this vehicle should be treated with caution and inspected thoroughly before commitment, with particular attention paid to the condition of the lower suspension arm bushings and the integrity of the brake disc backing plates to ensure the current passing result is not merely a temporary reprieve.