2017 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · SN17 ABK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 30 April 2025, with a single advisory recorded for an oil leak that was assessed as not excessive. Going back through the history, the 2024 test was a clean pass with no advisories, the 2023 test was similarly clear, and the 2022 test noted advisories for wear on both the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, again assessed as not resulting in excessive movement at that time. The overall trend suggests stable maintenance with no escalating failure points, though the recurrence of front suspension advisories in 2022 followed by an oil leak advisory in 2025 indicates that attention to the front suspension geometry and engine sealing should form part of any pre-purchase evaluation. None of the recorded items resulted in a failure, which is a positive indicator of general roadworthiness, but the advisories should not be ignored as they point to components subject to ongoing wear. With a recorded mileage of 27,283 miles over approximately nine years, this Micra has covered around 3,000 miles per year on average, which is notably low for its age and points to either light usage or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage can be advantageous in terms of wear on major drivetrain components, but it also brings specific concerns associated with vehicles that are not used regularly, including accelerated deterioration of rubber and plastic components, corrosion on brake discs and callipers from infrequent operation, and potential degradation of time-sensitive fluids and electrical items. There are no significant gaps or unusual mileage jumps evident across the MOT record, which supports the impression of consistent light use rather than any irregular patterns that might raise concern. Given the age of the vehicle and the advisory noted in 2022 for front suspension arm bushes on both sides, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the front suspension during inspection. The bushes should be checked visually for cracking, perishing, and any excess movement when the wheels are levered, and a test drive over uneven surfaces should be undertaken with the windows down to listen for any knocking, clunking, or knocking noises from the front end that would suggest the bushes have deteriorated further since 2022. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, can also indicate worn suspension components, and the tyres themselves should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, as tyres fitted to low-mileage vehicles are often original and may be approaching the end of their safe service life. The oil leak advisory from the most recent test warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection and a check for any fresh staining on the engine block, sump, or surrounding components, as well as any drips on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked. Given the low mileage, the 12V battery should be tested for its state of charge and holding capacity, as batteries left in a partially discharged state or fitted to vehicles used only for short journeys can fail prematurely. Brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion, which on a lightly used car often presents as a ridge of rust around the outer edge, and the callipers should be checked to ensure they are not seized, as this is a common issue on vehicles that spend long periods stationary. Finally, regardless of the modest mileage, the age of the car means that brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil should be considered due for replacement on a calendar basis, and it is worth verifying the service history to confirm these interval-based items have been attended to in line with manufacturer recommendations.