2008 Nissan Micra 1.4L Petrol · AX57 AYH

This Micra's MOT history is dominated by a creeping pattern of underbody corrosion and front suspension wear that has now progressed to the point where component replacement is on the horizon. The most recent attempt on 8 November 2025 saw the car fail on an ineffective nearside front windscreen wiper, while simultaneously accumulating advisories for a worn front suspension arm pin or bush, corrosion on both rear coil springs, and faded headlamp lenses; once the wiper blade was addressed, the vehicle passed on the same day. Going back to November 2024, the previous test revealed the beginnings of this corrosion story, with advisories against the front subframe, nearside front driveshaft, nearside front shock absorber casing, and nearside front suspension arm, all flagged as corroded but not seriously weakened. Taken together, this indicates a car whose structural and suspension hardware is steadily oxidising, with each annual test picking up additional or worsening advisories rather than the condition stabilising. Against an 18-year lifespan and 115,604 recorded miles, the average annual accumulation of roughly 6,400 miles is broadly typical and suggests the vehicle has seen consistent rather than abusive use. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT testing record or sudden mileage jumps that would point to a dormant period or clock irregularity, so the odometer figure can be considered representative of genuine usage. This kind of mileage on a small Nissan of this vintage is not exceptional, but it does place the clutch, gearbox, and engine oil seals well within their wear window, while the modest annual mileage means shorter trips are likely, which is harder on oil condition and battery health than longer motorway runs would be. For a prospective buyer, the rear coil spring corrosion flagged on the latest test is the most pressing structural concern, as corroded springs can fracture without warning, causing a sudden drop in ride height and potentially a loss of control. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, particularly from the rear, and visually inspect the springs for heavy pitting or flaking. The front subframe and suspension arm corrosion reported in 2024 should be physically inspected, ideally with the vehicle on a lift, to confirm it has not advanced beyond the 'not seriously weakened' threshold into a structural failure category; pay particular attention to the nearside front arm, its bush, and the shock absorber casing, as these were specifically called out. Any clonking over speed bumps, vagueness in steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle would suggest the suspension joints have deteriorated beyond advisory stage. The remaining advisories are comparatively minor but worth addressing. Check that both headlamp lenses have been restored or replaced, as faded lenses reduce night-time visibility and will fail at next test if left. Inspect the nearside front driveshaft gaiter for splits and grease loss, since a corroded shaft combined with perished rubber is a common failure mode on high-mileage Micras of this era. Finally, verify that the wiper blades are clearing the screen effectively, the front number plate is legible, and the offside front seatbelt is not twisted, as these were all items called out within the last three test cycles. A thorough inspection underneath on a ramp, combined with a careful listen for rear suspension noise over bumps, will be essential before committing to purchase.