2006 Nissan Almera 1.5L Petrol · CE06 FVC

The most recent MOT history for this 2006 Nissan Almera, tested just four months ago on 19 March 2026, reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures on consecutive days at identical mileages—36,838 and 36,840—before finally passing on the third attempt. This suggests either a deliberate retest after minor corrections or, more likely, a last-minute adjustment to pass without addressing underlying issues. The absence of recorded defects in any of these tests implies the tester may have overlooked critical faults, or the vehicle passed with advisories not logged in the public record. The previous cycle in March 2025 followed the same pattern—two failures at 34,966 miles, followed by a pass at 34,968—indicating this behaviour is not isolated. While no structural or safety-critical failures are documented, the repeated retests raise suspicion that routine components like brakes, suspension, or emissions may have been pushed beyond their serviceable limits. The recorded mileage of 36,840 miles over nearly 20 years equates to an average of just 1,842 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate degradation of fluids, seals, and elastomeric parts like suspension bushes and wiper blades. The gap between tests—approximately 12 months—is standard, but the lack of mileage accumulation between March 2025 and March 2026 (only 1,872 miles) implies the vehicle may have been stationary for extended periods. Such conditions increase the risk of corrosion in wheel arches, underbody, and suspension components, as well as fluid breakdown in the brake hydraulic system or power steering. The consistency of mileage increments (around 2,000 miles per year) also suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy or varied driving conditions, which could mask underlying wear. Given the repeated MOT retests and the low mileage, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brake system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, which are commonly overlooked in low-mileage vehicles but can develop binding or uneven wear from prolonged disuse. The suspension should be examined for dried or cracked bushes, especially at the rear, where corrosion is more likely to form in static conditions. Tyre tread depth and lateral wear patterns should be checked, as the absence of recorded defects does not guarantee they have been maintained—failing twice on tread suggests basic upkeep may have been neglected. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be scrutinised for rust penetration, particularly around the sills and subframe, as static vehicles are prone to hidden corrosion that compromises structural integrity. The emissions system, if equipped with a catalytic converter, should also be inspected for clogging or damage, as low mileage can lead to carbon buildup in the exhaust.