2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AP10 CPU

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 August 2024 resulted in a PASS certificate with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most relevant indicator of the vehicle's current roadworthy condition. However, the broader MOT history reveals a pattern worth noting. On the same date in 2024, the vehicle failed on two major items, and a similar failure occurred on 16 August 2023, also on two major items. In both instances, one of the major failures was the Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicating a fault, which has now appeared across two consecutive test cycles. The other failure points differ between years, with a non-functioning registration plate lamp in 2024 and a missing offside front road wheel fixing in 2023. The recurrence of the SRS warning lamp defect is concerning, as it may indicate either an unresolved intermittent fault, a sensor or wiring issue that has not been properly diagnosed and rectified, or a recurring fault where the repair has not held. Prospective buyers should treat the overall maintenance trend as stable rather than improving, given that the same safety system has flagged twice without a recorded permanent resolution. With 108,369 miles recorded on a 2010 Nissan Micra, the annual mileage equates to roughly 6,773 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious large gaps in usage that would suggest prolonged standing periods, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent and steady. This level of usage is generally favourable, as it implies the engine, transmission, clutch, and braking components have experienced regular operation rather than suffering the corrosion and fluid degradation commonly associated with very low mileage or long storage. Routine wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and timing chain components (where applicable to this model) should still be inspected given the overall odometer reading, but the consistent usage pattern reduces the likelihood of seized calipers, perished fuel lines, or stale coolant. Given the age of the vehicle and the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than chasing specific component histories. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a sixteen-year-old vehicle may have age-hardened tyres even with acceptable mileage. The braking system warrants a thorough physical inspection, including checking for corroded or binding calipers, particularly on the rear drums typical of this model, and assessing brake disc condition for lipping, surface corrosion, or uneven wear. The twelve-volt battery should be load tested, as battery degradation is heavily calendar-dependent, and a failing battery can cause erratic warning lights, including the SRS warning that has previously caused test failures. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any illumination of the airbag or SRS warning lamp on the instrument cluster, as the history demonstrates this is a recurring issue. Listen for any suspension clonks or knocks from worn bushes, top mounts, or strut bearings, and feel for uneven tyre wear which would suggest tracking or suspension geometry issues. Check that all exterior registration plate lamps and other statutory lighting operate correctly, as this was a recent failure point. Service history verification is essential, including confirmation of cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals appropriate to the engine variant, and evidence of regular fluid changes for engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and manual transmission oil where applicable. Any diagnostic information regarding why the SRS warning lamp has reappeared would be highly valuable, as a properly diagnosed and repaired resolution should prevent recurrence, whereas an unresolved fault may resurface at the next MOT.