2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · BD54 OEE

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a developing trend of suspension and steering-related wear. The most recent test in October 2025 at 61,712 miles identified play in the steering rack inner joints. This represents a worsening mechanical progression from the issues noted in 2023, where the anti-roll bar linkage ball joints were flagged. While the car consistently passes its tests, the shift from peripheral links to internal steering components suggests the front-end assembly is beginning to fatigue. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 61,712 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 2,800 miles per year. This low usage pattern often leads to the degradation of rubber components rather than mechanical wear from distance. The data shows consistent annual intervals of roughly 4,500 to 5,000 miles between tests from 2022 and 2025. However, the 2024 failure indicates that basic consumable upkeep occasionally neglected, with a tyre and wiper blade failing to meet legal requirements despite the low mileage. A buyer must physically inspect the front end to assess the extent of the steering rack play, as replacing inner joints can be labour-intensive and may indicate wider component failure. Given the history of deteriorated drop links and ball joints, a thorough check of all suspension bushes and boots is necessary to identify further cracking or tearing. The vehicle's age and low mileage also necessitate a search for structural corrosion on the sills and subframe, as stationary vehicles often suffer from hidden rust that frequently driven cars avoid.