2006 Nissan Micra 1.4L Petrol · A10 BAV

This 1.4-litre petrol Micra typically returns 42-48 mpg in real-world driving, with combined official figures around 47 mpg. Annual fuel costs for a typical 4,500-mile driver should sit in the £700-£900 range assuming current petrol prices around £1.45/litre. Road tax falls into a low bracket due to its pre-2007 Euro 4 emissions classification, costing around £35-£40 per year to tax.

Insurance sits in group 4-5 for the 1.4 Micra, making it one of the cheapest superminis to insure — a typical annual premium for a 30-year-old buyer with a clean licence would be in the £250-£400 range. Parts are inexpensive and widely available, with major components like front brake discs available from around £25 per side and pads from £15 a set. However, given the advisories for tyres, suspension bushes, and wheel bearings, allow £300-£500 for short-term maintenance within the first year.

Overall annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance are estimated at £1,300-£1,600, though first-year ownership may push towards £1,800 if suspension and wheel bearing work is required.

Focus your physical inspection on the items flagged in the MOT history. Start with the front suspension arm bushes at both nearside and offside — these were flagged in 2024 and a year of additional wear could now push them past the legal threshold. Jack the car and try to rock each front wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions with the car on the ground; any clunking or play indicates worn bushes or drop links. Also check the rear wheel bearings by spinning each rear wheel by hand and listening for roughness or grumbling — the 2025 advisory noted slight noise, so deterioration is plausible.

Inspect all four tyres closely for uneven edge wear, particularly the offside front which has been flagged repeatedly for worn edges (2023 failure, 2024 advisory). Edge wear typically points to either worn suspension components, incorrect alignment, or prolonged under-inflation. A fresh set of tyres will cost £120-£180 fitted, and a four-wheel alignment around £40-£60 is advisable once the bushes are addressed. Check the headlamps operation personally — confirm both dipped and main beam function, and verify the aim is symmetrical and below the horizontal line on a flat surface.

For general condition of a 19-year-old car, examine the underside for corrosion. The 2024 test noted "light surface corrosion to underside" which is reassuring at this age, but a careful look at sills, wheel arches, and the rear axle area is worthwhile. Check for oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket (common on the CR14DE engine) and inspect the coolant reservoir for any signs of staining that could indicate a head gasket concern. Finally, verify the timing chain operation on cold start as outlined above.