2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · BJ04 NWD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 10 September 2025, although the same date also shows a presentation of a failed test for an inverted offside front headlamp bulb, which appears to have been rectified before the pass was recorded. Looking across the available history from 2021 to 2025, the overall trend suggests a vehicle that is being maintained to a roadworthy level but is showing progressive age-related deterioration, particularly in respect of bodywork corrosion and tyre condition. Advisories for inner sill corrosion, rear coil spring corrosion, and front brake disc pitting have been present in several successive tests, indicating slow but ongoing degradation. The two failed tests in 2024 and 2025 were both related to headlamp issues rather than fundamental structural or mechanical failure, suggesting the owner is addressing defects as they arise, though the recurrence of bulb and headlamp aim problems may indicate intermittent electrical or bulb-fitting issues worth probing. With a recorded mileage of 86,628 miles over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has covered an annual average of around 3,938 miles, which is notably low for its age. This pattern suggests either limited use or extended periods of standing between journeys, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Prolonged standing can lead to brake disc corrosion and binding calipers, calendar-based degradation of brake fluid and coolant, 12V battery deterioration from repeated shallow discharge cycles, and drying or perishing of rubber components such as suspension bushes, drive belts, and tyres. Conversely, the relatively modest mileage means the major mechanical drivetrain components such as the engine, manual gearbox, and clutch have likely experienced limited wear and may still have useful service life remaining. The recurring advisories for tyre perishing and cracking on both nearside front and nearside rear positions across the 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests indicate that age-related rubber degradation has been a persistent issue, and any prospective buyer should carefully inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and manufacturing date codes, as tyres over six years old should ideally be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The advisory for pitted and scored front brake discs noted in 2021 warrants a thorough road test to check for brake shudder or vibration under heavy braking, and the discs should be physically inspected for lipping and corrosion, with caliper slide pins checked for free movement given the likelihood of standing-related seizure. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, as corroded front coil springs and advisories relating to front inner suspension component mounting areas in 2021 indicate progressive structural deterioration that may now be more advanced. Bodywork corrosion is the most concerning recurring theme in the MOT history, with advisories and advisories progressing from general component surface corrosion and inner sill corrosion in 2021, through to inner sill corrosion in 2022 and 2023, and the offside rear sill showing slight corrosion in the most recent 2025 test. A prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical examination underneath the vehicle, paying particular attention to the inner and outer sills, wheel arches, and suspension strut mounting areas, using a torch and ideally placing the car on a ramp to assess the extent of any corrosion rather than relying solely on visible surface rust. The near twenty-two year age of the vehicle also makes it prudent to verify the date of the last brake fluid and coolant change, examine the condition and age of the 12V battery, and confirm that the cambelt or timing chain service intervals have been observed, as these time-based items can be overlooked on low-mileage vehicles. The headlamp issues recorded in 2021, 2024, and 2025 suggest that bulb seating and electrical contacts should be checked, and that any aftermarket bulb installations be verified for correct orientation and type.