1997 Nissan Almera 1.4L Petrol · R262 FAE

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by increasing mechanical complexity and structural degradation. While the most recent test on 17 April 2026 at 93,050 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed just two days prior on 15 April 2026 due to several significant issues. These included a split offside front CV boot, a major exhaust leak at the silencer pipe, and an insecure indicator unit. The presence of an ongoing gearbox oil leak and persistent underside corrosion suggests that while the car is being kept legally on the road, the underlying mechanical and structural health is declining. The mileage history indicates a very low usage pattern for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,200 miles per year. Between February 2018 and April 2026, the odometer moved from 84,528 to 93,050 miles. This low annual mileage often correlates with vehicles that sit idle for extended periods, which can contribute to the degradation seen in the braking system and the pitting on the nearside front brake disc noted in the April 2026 test. The lack of heavy driving does not appear to have prevented the onset of significant age-related issues. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity. The MOT history reveals a chronic and serious pattern of chassis and cab corrosion. In April 2024, the offside rear inner cab/chassis showed excessive corrosion affecting its strength, and similar structural failures were flagged in both April 2023 and February 2021. The April 2026 record confirms widespread underside corrosion and a corroded rear brake pipe, which may indicate that the structural decay is progressing despite recent repairs. The braking system also requires close scrutiny. The tester flagged a recurring issue with a binding nearside front service brake, a fault that has appeared in almost every test since March 2022. The April 2026 test also identified a pitted nearside front brake disc and a corroded rear brake pipe. Given the history of binding brakes, imbalanced braking, and the recent failure of the exhaust system, the buyer should verify that the recent repairs have addressed the root causes rather than merely providing temporary fixes to pass the inspection.