2012 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AF12 YDL

Chronic wear of the front suspension linkages and increasing corrosion of the rear springs define the mechanical state of this vehicle. While it achieved a pass on 7 February 2026, the MOT history reveals a persistent trend of deterioration in the suspension system that has remained unaddressed since at least February 2024. The emergence of pitted brake discs in the latest report suggests that the vehicle's condition is gradually declining across multiple chassis components. A recorded mileage of 65,595 miles over a fourteen year period equates to an average of approximately 4,685 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average. This low-usage profile is consistent with the specific defects noted in the records, as infrequent use often exacerbates the corrosion of rear coil springs and allows brake discs to pit and score due to a lack of regular abrasive cleaning during hard braking. During a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention must be paid to the front suspension arm pins and bushes, which have been flagged for three consecutive years. Listen for knocks or clunks when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering alignment. The corrosion on the rear coil springs should be visually inspected for any signs of structural thinning or imminent failure, as these components are now flagged on both the nearside and offside. The braking system requires scrutiny due to the reported pitting and scoring of the front discs. A test drive should be used to detect any pedal judder or abnormal grinding noises during deceleration. Additionally, while an oil leak was noted in February 2024, it is advisable to check the engine bay and the ground beneath the vehicle for any fresh evidence of fluid loss to determine if the leak has persisted or been rectified.