2006 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · CE06 FVO

The most recent MOT recorded on 20 October 2025 resulted in a pass, following an earlier failure on the same day that was remedied before the vehicle was retested. The pattern over the last five years shows a mixture of minor and advisory items but no recurring major failures, indicating that the owner has been addressing defects promptly and that the overall maintenance trend is stable rather than deteriorating. At 65,541 miles the Micra averages just over 3,200 miles per annum, a very low utilisation for a twenty‑year‑old car. Such modest mileage suggests the vehicle has spent considerable periods idle, which can be kinder to wear items such as engine bearings and clutch plates but can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, seals and corrosion‑prone areas. The low annual mileage does not mask any sudden spikes in usage, so the wear on consumables is likely to be limited, yet the calendar age must be taken into account when assessing condition. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the lighting and safety systems that have featured repeatedly. The near‑side headlamp lens is noted as slightly defective and the off‑side headlamp aim was recorded as obviously incorrect; verify that both lamps illuminate fully, that the lenses are free from cracks or clouding, and that the beam pattern meets legal standards. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp failed to illuminate on several occasions – confirm that the SRS indicator functions on the dashboard and that the airbag warning light extinguishes after ignition, as a persistent fault could indicate a fault in the airbag control unit. The off‑side rear wheel bearing was flagged as slightly noisy; during a test drive listen for a low‑level hum or growl that changes with vehicle speed and load, which would suggest bearing wear requiring replacement. The anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover was deemed ineffective, so inspect the anti‑roll bar bushings and ball joint for any play, corrosion or ingress of dirt, and verify that the linkage operates smoothly without clunking. The front left tyre was reported as worn close to the legal limit and with edge wear – check tread depth across the tyre, look for uneven wear patterns that could point to mis‑alignment or suspension issues, and be prepared to replace the tyre if the remaining tread is below 1.6 mm or if sidewall cracking is evident. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential regardless of mileage. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, especially if they are more than six years old, and replace them if any signs of perishing are present. Inspect the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as long periods of inactivity can lead to sulfation; a load test or a professional check is advisable. Look for corrosion on the chassis, underbody and suspension mounting points, paying particular attention to the rear subframe and wheel arches where standing water may have accumulated. Verify that brake discs are free from excessive rust, pitting or scoring and that pads have adequate material; a brake pedal that feels spongy or a shudder when applying the brakes can indicate fluid degradation or caliper sticking, so consider a brake fluid flush if the service interval has been exceeded. Finally, confirm that the service booklet shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes, as fluid breakdown over two decades can lead to internal wear even on a low‑mileage engine.