2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AM08 XFV

The 1.24-litre petrol Micra is one of the cheaper cars to run in its class, with combined fuel economy typically in the mid-40s mpg. Road tax for a 2008 1.24-litre petrol Micra falls in a low VED band, usually costing under £40 per year. Insurance sits in group 4-5, making it one of the cheapest superminisa to insure on the market.

Annual maintenance for a Micra of this age is modest, but expect routine wear items such as brake pads, tyres, and exhaust components to need attention. With 122,469 miles on the clock and recent advisories on brakes and tyres, set aside roughly £400-£600 for immediate remedial work on top of normal running costs. Overall estimated annual running cost: £900-£1,200 covering fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance.

Start with the braking system — both front pads are noted as wearing thin, and the parking brake is only just meeting efficiency. On inspection, jack the car and check pad and disc wear directly rather than relying on the advisory alone, and test the handbrake on a slope to confirm it holds firmly. The oil leak, currently noted as 'not excessive', should be traced — common sources on K-series Micras are the cam cover gasket and the sump gasket, and a quick visual underneath should reveal the origin.

Inspect both front tyres for inner-edge wear, as this often indicates worn suspension bushes or top mounts rather than just ageing rubber. The fractured offside front coil spring recorded in 2025 should be confirmed as replaced — look for the receipt or check the spring visually for signs of an aftermarket unit. Finally, check all exterior lamps including the offside stop lamp that failed the test, and confirm the heat shield is properly secured. A general inspection of the underbody for corrosion is wise given the car's age, paying particular attention to the rear axle and sill areas.