2011 Nissan Pixo 1.0L Petrol · CE11 WSL

This 2011 Nissan Pixo presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by chronic advisories rather than major component failures, with the most recent test on 16 March 2026 having passed but carrying four advisory items alongside a prior same-day fail for insufficient washer fluid. Across the recorded MOT history, the vehicle has experienced two failures and four passes, but the pass certificates are consistently accompanied by advisories that suggest ongoing wear and corrosion issues, particularly affecting the underbody, brake hydraulic system, and tyres. The 2026 test flagged rear subframe corrosion described as not seriously weakened, an offside rear brake pipe corroded and coated in grease or material, and a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edges, indicating that the braking and suspension hardware are beginning to show their age. A near-mirror advisory for the same offside rear brake pipe was also recorded in October 2021, suggesting this corrosion issue has been present for some time and warrants close physical inspection rather than dismissal. With recorded mileage of 102,348 miles over approximately 15 years, the vehicle accumulates around 6,800 miles annually, a figure broadly typical for its age class, though there is a notable two-year gap between the December 2023 test and the March 2026 test which could indicate a period of reduced use or a change in keeper. The test intervals in the earlier years were annual, with tests in 2021, 2022 (twice), 2023 (twice), then a pause before the 2026 entry, so any prospective buyer should verify the continuity of mileage progression and confirm whether the vehicle was actively driven during 2024 and 2025. The 2022 to 2023 period shows fairly rapid test turnover with closely spaced repeat examinations, which often points to attempts at rectification following advisories rather than active motoring, while the high overall mileage for such a small city car will place accumulated stress on the clutch, gearbox synchronisers, and front suspension components typical of the Pixo platform. The recurring advisories on both rear coil springs, noted in 2021 as worn on both sides, are a particular concern for a prospective buyer because worn coil springs on this model commonly present as a visible sag at the rear when unladen, a clonking noise over uneven surfaces, and reduced grip during cornering. The subframe corrosion flagged in 2026 and the persistent brake pipe corrosion demand a physical inspection with the vehicle raised, as surface grease masking pipe condition can hide perforation; on a test drive, the buyer should listen for any scraping or metallic noise from the underbody, test brake pedal firmness for any sponginess suggesting fluid loss through a corroded pipe joint, and check for the rear sitting lower than expected. The 2021 advisory regarding a deteriorated offside front inner constant velocity boot is also significant, as a split CV boot leads to grease loss and eventual joint failure, typically heralded by a clicking or knocking noise on full-lock turns and a vibration through the steering during acceleration. Tyre wear has been a recurring advisory, with edge wear noted on multiple occasions across both front and rear axles, and on the 2026 test the nearside rear tyre was close to the legal limit; edge wear on the Pixo is frequently linked to worn rear coil springs altering the camber and to ageing suspension bushes. The repeated wiper blade advisories and minor defects across 2022 and 2023, including skipping and dirty blades, suggest the wiper linkage or motor may be nearing the end of its service life, and the buyer should verify smooth operation across the full sweep. The front position lamp failure recorded in 2022 and the deteriorating number plate should also be rectified, and during a physical inspection the buyer should examine all lighting, confirm washer jet operation, and ensure the rear brake pipes are accessible for thorough examination as the combination of grease masking and corrosion is a common reason for advisory progression to failure on subsequent tests.