2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AP65 LMX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 19 March 2026, but the overall maintenance trend indicates a decline in mechanical condition. While the history was largely clean between 2021 and 2024, the last two years have seen a rise in suspension and braking issues. The progression from corrosion advisories on the coil springs in 2025 to a major failure for a leaking offside rear shock absorber in 2026 suggests that the chassis and suspension components are beginning to succumb to age and environmental wear. At approximately 49,097 miles over ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 4,910 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the typical UK annual average. While this low mileage suggests minimal wear on the internal engine components and drivetrain, it often introduces specific risks associated with under-use. Vehicles that spend long periods standing are more prone to the degradation of rubber seals, the perishing of tyres, and the accumulation of corrosion on braking surfaces. The buyer must pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems during the inspection. The recorded corrosion on both front and rear coil springs, combined with the recent failure of a rear shock absorber, indicates a general vulnerability to rust. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing. Furthermore, the advisory regarding binding rear brakes is a point of concern. Binding calipers can cause premature pad wear and overheating; the buyer should check for a lack of free-rolling when coasting and ensure there is no unusual smell of hot brakes after a short drive. Given the low annual usage, a thorough check of time-sensitive consumables is essential. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres can lose structural integrity due to age even if the tread depth remains legal. Examine the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting, which often occurs when a vehicle sits idle. It is also critical to verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other fluids have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than mileage, as oil degrades over time. Finally, the health of the 12V battery should be verified, as infrequent use often leads to premature battery failure.