2012 Nissan Note 1.4L Petrol · YY12 MWM

The most recent MOT test on 15 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but four advisories were issued which together suggest that this 2012 Nissan Note is beginning to show the typical wear of a high-mileage, age-advanced vehicle. The presence of advisories on front tyres worn close to the legal limit, corrosion to the rear sub-frame, a corroded brake hose ferrule, and a corroded offside rear coil spring indicates that attention is required to suspension, braking, and underbody integrity. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has passed every test since early 2021, with the only failures occurring in late 2021 and January 2023. The 2021 dangerous failure for an excessively worn front tyre and multiple worn suspension components was serious, but the immediate pass at the next test without advisories suggests remedial work was carried out. The 2023 failure for a headlamp defect, an airbag warning lamp fault, a stop lamp issue, and a worn front suspension ball joint was more concerning, although the two subsequent clean passes in 2024 and 2025 indicate a degree of improvement. Overall, the trend appears relatively stable, with the latest test representing a slight regression as multiple advisories have resurfaced simultaneously. The recorded mileage of 109,785 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an annual average of around 7,842 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age in the UK and points to steady, consistent use rather than extreme long-distance motoring or extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT history that would suggest the vehicle has been off the road for prolonged periods, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent with normal commuting and errand use. This level of usage is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as regular running helps keep seals, brakes, and drivetrain components in healthier condition than a similarly aged low-mileage car. However, at this mileage, major service items such as timing chain or belt replacement (depending on the engine variant), clutch wear, and exhaust system condition should already have been addressed or be approaching the limit of their service life. Given the advisories recorded at the most recent test, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front tyres, as the advisory noted wear close to the legal limit on both edges, which may indicate a tracking or suspension geometry issue rather than simple wear. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly on the nearside, as the history of a worn ball joint and lower arm bush failures suggests the front suspension components are approaching the end of their service life. The advisory on the offside rear coil spring corrosion is also worth noting, as corroded springs can fail suddenly and should be inspected physically for any signs of cracking. The rear sub-frame corrosion, while not classed as serious, should be monitored for progression, and the brake hose with slight ferrule corrosion should be checked for any seepage or weakening under braking pressure. Beyond the recorded advisories, practical age-related checks are strongly advisable. Although the annual mileage is moderate, the vehicle is 14 years old, so inspect the tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common regardless of tread depth. Examine the brake discs for corrosion ridges on the outer edge, a typical issue on cars that see shorter journeys, and verify that the caliper slide pins are free, as seized calipers are a frequent cause of uneven pad wear. Check the condition of the 12-volt battery, which typically has a service life of five to seven years, and confirm the date of last replacement if possible. Inspect all fluid levels and their condition, particularly the engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil if applicable, as these degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. Finally, verify the service book history to ensure that cam belt or chain, spark plugs, and oil changes have been carried out at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, and consider a compression test or diagnostic scan to confirm the engine and gearbox remain in good internal health given the high overall mileage.