2009 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · YY09 DDV

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Nissan Note, conducted on 17 December 2025, resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This represents the third consecutive pass and follows a pattern of stable compliance with roadworthiness standards over the past three years. Notably, the vehicle failed an MOT on 5 January 2024 under unspecified reasons, but it passed a re-test on the very same day, suggesting the failure was likely a minor or easily rectifiable item that was promptly addressed. The overall trend is one of consistent mechanical upkeep with no accumulating advisories on braking, suspension, lighting, or exhaust systems, which is reassuring for a prospective buyer evaluating the vehicle's recent condition. With 90,749 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, this Nissan Note has covered around 5,338 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of its age. Such low average usage can indicate either a secondary or short-journey role, or extended periods of standing between drives. While lower annual mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components, it introduces specific risks related to inactivity, including corrosion on brake discs and callipers from infrequent use, potential sticking or binding brake mechanisms, degradation of rubber and polymer components due to environmental exposure rather than mechanical wear, and possible issues with fuel system seals and oil seals drying out or leaking. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent rather than erratic, with no evidence of clocking or unusual jumps. Given the clean MOT history but the vehicle's advanced age and low annual usage, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection rather than relying solely on test records. Begin with a careful examination of all four tyres, checking the sidewalls for cracking, perishing, and brittleness characteristic of age-related rubber degradation, even if the tread depth remains adequate; an ageing Nissan Note may well be running tyres that meet the legal 1.6mm minimum but are structurally compromised. Inspect the brake discs, particularly the rear drums or discs, for surface corrosion and ensure the calliper slide pins move freely without binding. Verify the 12-volt battery's health, as units beyond five years of age often struggle to maintain charge, particularly if the vehicle is used infrequently. Examine all suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorber mounting points, and the full set of rubber bushes, for perishing or splitting from age rather than wear. Additionally, confirm the vehicle's full service history and request evidence of time-based fluid replacements rather than relying solely on mileage intervals. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature, and coolant similarly degrades over calendar years and should have been exchanged within the last four to five years. Check the timing chain or belt replacement record depending on the engine variant fitted, as the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol units commonly installed in this model have age-related service requirements that may not align with the low recorded annual mileage. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces that might indicate worn bushes or drop links, observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking which could suggest a binding calliper, and watch for any warning lights on the dashboard that may indicate stored faults. Finally, inspect the underside for signs of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or power steering rack, as seals on low-mileage vehicles often deteriorate from disuse rather than wear, and verify that the exhaust system is secure and free from corrosion at its mounting points and joints.