2004 Nissan Almera 1.5L Petrol · AV04 DWD

A clean and remarkably uneventful MOT record defines this 2004 Nissan Almera, with all recorded tests returning a pass and no advisories or defects logged against any component. The most recent test on 6 March 2025 confirms a continued pass with the same clean outcome, and the historical progression shows no signs of deterioration; every entry over the last several cycles has been uniformly trouble-free. There is no evidence of chronic brake wear, no recurring suspension advisories, no recorded corrosion issues on structural members, and no exhaust or emissions concerns. For a vehicle now in its twenty-second year, this absence of flagged items is unusual and points to either genuinely good mechanical condition or a usage profile that has placed minimal stress on wear-prone components. Either way, the official record does not raise any specific mechanical concerns. The mileage profile is the defining feature of this Almera's history, with 60,027 miles recorded over twenty-two years, equating to an average of only around 2,728 miles per year. This is exceptionally low for a car of its age and substantially below the typical annual accumulation seen on vehicles of this vintage. The MOT history is also notably sparse, with only three test dates recorded across multiple years, which is consistent with a car that has either been used very lightly as a secondary vehicle or has spent considerable time off the road. Such low mileage and apparent inactivity carry their own mechanical considerations: seals, gaskets, and flexible components that rely on regular operation can deteriorate with prolonged standing, and corrosion can take hold on underbody and brake components without the protective effect of frequent use. Conversely, wear items such as brake pads, discs, clutches, and tyres will have experienced far less cumulative wear than on a higher-mileage equivalent, which is a genuine advantage if the vehicle has been correctly stored and maintained during its lay periods. Given the sparse advisory history, there are no specific flagged components to investigate, but the low usage pattern does warrant a focused physical inspection in a few areas. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over bumps, as components such as wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drop links can perish through age rather than mileage, and pay attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering rack, which is a known weak point on Almeras of this era. Check the brake pedal for any sponginess or excessive travel on the first application, as brake flex hoses and seals can harden and crack with age even on low-mileage cars, and visually inspect the brake discs for any significant surface corrosion or lipping that might have developed during periods of standing. At idle, observe the exhaust for any blue smoke indicative of valve stem oil seals that may have dried out from disuse, and inspect the underbody for any rust developing on the suspension arms, subframe mounting points, or brake and fuel lines, as these are common corrosion concerns on Nissan saloons of this generation. A prospective buyer should treat the clean MOT record as a positive starting point but not as a complete substitute for a hands-on evaluation. Given the likelihood of extended standing periods, it is worth confirming when the vehicle was last used regularly and whether it has been serviced within the last twelve months, including fresh oil, filters, and coolant. The tyres should be checked for age-related cracking in the sidewalls even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber degrades with time regardless of mileage. A compression test or at minimum a thorough inspection for oil leaks around the cam cover, sump, and rear main seal would be sensible given the age, and the coolant system should be examined for any signs of sealing compromise. Subjectively, ensure the engine reaches operating temperature promptly without hesitation or excessive smoke, the automatic or manual gearbox selects cleanly through all gears, and the clutch bite point if fitted is firm and progressive. With these checks carried out, this low-mileage Almera presents as a fundamentally sound candidate, its clean MOT history suggesting that any age-related wear has so far not progressed to the point of test failure.