2002 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · NK02 AOJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a slow progression of structural and suspension wear. The most recent test in May 2026 at 93,340 miles passed with advisories for oil mist on the nearside rear shock absorber and slight corrosion on the underside. These specific issues have appeared consistently in every annual test since 2024, indicating that while the components have not yet reached a point of failure, the degradation of the chassis and damping is an ongoing process that requires active monitoring. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,900 miles per year. There is a notable drop in usage between 2022 and 2024, where the car covered only 3,404 miles in two years, followed by a more significant increase of 12,029 miles between May 2024 and May 2026. This low-frequency use often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components, as evidenced by the records showing perished tyres and CV boots noted between 2017 and 2021. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle underside to assess the extent of the reported corrosion. The 2019 failure revealed significant structural weaknesses in the suspension mounting areas due to corrosion and fractures, and while the car passed subsequent tests after repairs, the current advisories suggest the metal is thinning. The misting on the nearside rear shock absorber should be checked for active leaks that could lead to sudden handling instability. Given the history of perished rubber parts, the condition of all current tyres and suspension bushes should be scrutinized for dry cracking or sidew rot despite the low overall mileage.