2006 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · EX56 AAN

The most recent MOT, dated 1 June 2026, was passed but flagged three advisories: a slightly distorted nearside front wheel, play in the steering‑rack inner joint and front tyres worn close to the legal minimum, particularly on the edges. Over the preceding four years the vehicle has consistently passed the test, yet the same steering‑rack play has been recorded each year and tyre‑related advisories have increased, culminating in a failure in May 2023 for the same rack play together with wiper inefficiency and incorrect rear‑indicator colours. The pattern shows a stable ability to meet the minimum safety standards, but a clear trend of accumulating wear on the steering column, wheel rims and tyre carcasses, indicating that the condition is gradually worsening rather than improving. With a recorded 42 600 miles on a 2006 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 2 130 mi, which is markedly below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage or very light use, which can accelerate age‑related degradation even while mechanical wear remains modest. The limited mileage reduces the likelihood of high‑stress component fatigue, but it also raises the probability of tyre perishing, battery sulphation, brake‑disc corrosion and rubber component stiffening that are driven more by calendar time than by distance travelled. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the steering‑rack inner joint. On a test drive feel for any looseness, clunking or a vague “play” when turning the wheel at low speed; such symptoms can presage eventual rack failure and uneven tyre wear. The nearside front wheel distortion should be inspected for bent rim or hub damage – a visual check for dents, uneven tyre wear patterns and a vibration test at around 50 mph will reveal whether a wheel‑balancing or replacement is required. Front tyres are already near the legal tread limit, especially on the edges, so verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm uniformly and look for sidewall cracking, which, together with the rear tyre perishing noted in several MOTs, suggests that a full set of tyres may soon be needed. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also examine age‑related items that are not captured by the MOT. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as prolonged standing can cause sulphation; inspect brake discs for surface rust or glazing and ensure calipers move freely without binding. Examine suspension bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers for any signs of cracking, oil leakage or excessive play, and verify that all exterior lights, especially the rear direction indicators, emit the correct colour and intensity. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter and coolant changes, as fluids degrade over time even when the engine is seldom run. Addressing these points will give a clearer picture of the car’s true roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable condition.