2014 Nissan Pulsar 1.2L Petrol · AF64 NFM

The most recent MOT test on the 2014 Nissan Pulstar was conducted on 2025-10-08, resulting in a passing grade despite several persistent advisories that suggest a pattern of wear and minor maintenance requirements rather than outright failure. While the vehicle has not failed an MOT in the past two years, the recurring advisories—particularly around the near-side front shock absorber fluid leak, worn suspension bushes, and near-side front tyre edge wear—indicate a trend of ongoing mechanical degradation that has not been fully addressed. The presence of a major failure in 2023-09-19 (near-side rear coil spring fracture) and the subsequent passing of the 2024 and 2025 tests suggest that while the vehicle has been brought back into compliance, the underlying issues—such as suspension wear and tyre degradation—remain unresolved and warrant closer attention. The fact that the 2025 test still flagged an oil leak and worn tyres indicates that the owner may have delayed or skipped necessary servicing, which could escalate into more costly repairs if left unchecked. The recorded mileage of 74,771 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 12 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,231 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for this model’s age bracket. However, the absence of a recent service history or a clear break in mileage accumulation raises concerns about how the vehicle has been maintained. Lower mileage could imply periods of prolonged idling or infrequent use, which can exacerbate issues such as brake pad wear from standing corrosion, suspension component deterioration from lack of movement, and fluid degradation due to stagnation. Conversely, if the mileage is higher than expected, it may suggest more aggressive driving or neglect in fluid top-ups and filter replacements, leading to accelerated wear on the drivetrain, brakes, and suspension components. Either scenario underscores the need for a thorough inspection to assess the true condition of consumables and structural integrity. Given the MOT history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a detailed mechanical inspection to address the persistent advisories and potential underlying failures. The near-side front shock absorber fluid leak and worn suspension bushes are critical issues that, if left untreated, could lead to uncontrolled suspension movement, uneven tyre wear, or even vehicle instability during cornering. On a test drive, listen for excessive clunking or rattling from the front suspension, particularly when the vehicle is driven over bumps or at speed, as this may indicate failing shock absorbers or bush wear. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear patterns—especially on the edges of the near-side front tyres—where the MOT flagged excessive wear, and verify that the tyres are not excessively worn or damaged beyond the legal limits. The near-side rear coil spring fracture from 2023 suggests that the rear suspension may be compromised, so inspect for sagging or binding in the rear axle area, and listen for unusual noises when accelerating or braking. For fluid and component checks, the buyer should verify the condition of the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time and can become contaminated or degraded even with moderate mileage. Given the age of the vehicle, the 12V battery should be tested for capacity and corrosion on the terminals, as standing corrosion or a failing battery can lead to poor starting performance or electrical system failures. The front brake pads, which were repeatedly noted as thin, should be inspected for wear and the brake discs for signs of corrosion, binding, or uneven wear. Finally, the owner should ensure that the vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, particularly for fluid top-ups, filter replacements, and suspension component inspections, to mitigate the risk of further failures. If the buyer is concerned about the suspension or drivetrain, a professional inspection—possibly including a scan tool to check for any fault codes—would be advisable to confirm the absence of hidden issues.