2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · AX08 HGA

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 24 June 2026, although this followed a failure due to a fractured nearside front coil spring. The overall maintenance trend suggests a decline in the condition of the chassis and suspension components. There is a clear pattern of progressive deterioration regarding the coil springs, which moved from general corrosion advisories in 2024 and 2025 to a complete structural failure in 2026. This indicates that the vehicle is suffering from age-related degradation that is not being preemptively addressed. With a recorded mileage of 83,401 miles over an eighteen year period, this Nissan Micra has been used significantly less than the national average, averaging approximately 4,633 miles per year. While low mileage is often viewed as a benefit, in a vehicle of this age it frequently points to a history of short urban journeys or extended periods of standing. Such usage patterns can be more detrimental to the engine and exhaust system than long-distance motorway miles, as they prevent the engine from reaching optimal operating temperatures and allow moisture to accumulate in the exhaust and braking systems. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and exhaust. The history of corroded and fractured coil springs suggests a vulnerability to rust; during a test drive, listen for metallic clunks or knocks when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. The recurring advisory for a minor exhaust leak indicates a slow degradation of the exhaust system, which may manifest as a louder than normal idle or a slight smell of fumes in the cabin. It is highly probable that the exhaust will require a section replacement or a full system upgrade in the near future to avoid a subsequent MOT failure. Given the low annual mileage and the recent advisory regarding a perishing offside rear tyre, a thorough physical inspection of all tyre sidewalls is essential to check for weather cracking and hardening of the rubber, regardless of the remaining tread depth. You should also inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or binding calipers, which are common in vehicles that stand for long periods. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other critical fluids have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage, as aged oil loses its lubricating properties and can lead to premature internal engine wear.