2002 NISSAN ALMERA1.5L Petrol

The vehicle shows a worsening trend in structural integrity, culminating in a significant failure during the September 2022 test at 79,143 miles. While earlier tests showed manageable corrosion, the most recent recorded result indicates that the offside rear suspension component mounting area has become excessively corroded, which significantly reduces the structural strength of the sill. This represents a critical degradation from the September 2021 test at 78,046 miles, where the same area was noted as corroded but not yet considered excessive. The mileage pattern suggests very low annual usage, averaging approximately 3,300 miles per year over its 24-year lifespan. The data shows a consistent, slow accumulation of miles, moving from 48,875 miles in 2011 to 79,143 miles in 2022. This low-use profile often correlates with the advanced corrosion seen in the records, as vehicles that spend long periods stationary or are driven short distances in damp environments are more susceptible to chassis and sill rot. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough underside inspection, specifically focusing on the sills and the X-member. The September 2022 failure explicitly flagged structural weakness in the rear sill and corrosion on the front X-member. Because the corrosion has progressed from manageable to a failure-level defect within a single year, the structural stability of the chassis is the primary concern. Any repair work must be verified for quality to ensure the vehicle is not merely patched with filler. Secondary inspection should focus on the exhaust system and suspension components. The September 2021 test identified a major exhaust gas leak, and the 2016 and 2018 tests highlighted recurring issues with tyre wear and track rod end dust covers. While the tyre issues appear to be standard consumable maintenance, the combination of structural corrosion and previous exhaust failures suggests that the vehicle's metalwork and mounting points are nearing the end of their viable service life.