2014 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AK64 LWR

The Nissan Micra’s most recent MOT, conducted just eight months ago on 17 November 2025 at 39,244 miles, passed with no defects—a clean result that suggests the vehicle was in a sound mechanical state at that time. However, the underlying trend reveals a history of intermittent but serious issues that were not consistently addressed. The 2023 failure at 30,429 miles exposed critical problems: a near-failed wheel bearing, perishing rear tyres, and binding rear brakes—all of which should have prompted immediate attention. The fact that these faults did not reappear in subsequent tests implies they were rectified, but the 2024 advisory on front tyres (worn close to the legal limit) hints at a pattern of deferred maintenance on consumables. Binding rear brakes also resurfaced as a minor advisory in 2024, indicating either incomplete repairs or a recurring design or wear issue. The Micra’s low annual mileage—around 3,270 miles per year—is unusual for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (just six days apart) is anomalous and likely a clerical error, but the broader pattern shows tests spaced annually, which is standard. More concerning is the mileage jump between the 2023 failure (30,429 miles) and the 2024 test (35,429 miles)—a 5,000-mile increase in just over a year—followed by another 3,800 miles to the 2025 pass. This suggests the car was driven more actively after repairs, but the lack of further advisories or defects in the latest MOT implies recent upkeep has been diligent. For a prospective buyer, the wheel bearings demand immediate scrutiny, particularly the nearside front unit, which showed excessive play in 2023 and only slight play the year prior—a rapid deterioration that could signal deeper suspension wear or neglect. The rear brake binding history, while not currently critical, points to potential caliper or pad issues that may resurface; inspect for uneven brake disc wear or seized components. Tyre condition remains a weak point, with past advisories on edge wear and perishing—check for consistent tread depth and sidewall cracking, especially on the rear. Structural integrity appears unremarkable, but given the low mileage, rust or corrosion in hidden areas (sills, wheel arches) should be checked thoroughly, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate deterioration. The absence of recent advisories on exhaust emissions or suspension bushes is positive, but the binding brake history suggests a component that may need closer monitoring.