2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · CP16 OOG

The Nissan Micra in question presents a clean MOT history with no recorded defects across its five most recent tests, including the most recent examination on 24 June 2025 at 51,920 miles, which passed without advisories. The sole anomaly is the failed test on 23 June 2025 at 51,915 miles—a highly unusual occurrence given the absence of defects on either side of it. This suggests either an administrative error or a tester oversight rather than a mechanical issue, particularly since the vehicle passed immediately afterward without any corrective work noted. The trend is overwhelmingly stable, with no signs of recurring faults or worsening conditions in brakes, suspension, or structural integrity over the past three years. Such consistency implies the car has either been well-maintained by its previous owner or, conversely, has been driven sparingly enough to avoid accumulating significant wear. The mileage progression reveals a vehicle that has been used very lightly for its age, averaging just over 5,000 miles per year since 2022. The gap between the 2024 test (46,134 miles) and the 2025 tests (51,915–51,920 miles) is particularly striking—less than 6,000 miles accumulated over a full year, which is well below the UK average for a car of this vintage. This pattern could indicate prolonged periods of disuse, storage, or perhaps even a secondary use as a low-mileage commuter. The lack of mileage accumulation reduces concerns about high-wear components like brake pads, clutch assemblies, or suspension bushes degrading prematurely, but it also raises questions about whether the car has been regularly exercised to prevent issues like seized bearings or degraded fluids. Given the absence of defects in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on components that are prone to silent failures in low-mileage vehicles. Pay particular attention to the condition of the coil springs and suspension bushes, as these can degrade even with minimal use if the car has been left standing unsupported for extended periods. Check for any signs of binding in the brake calipers or uneven wear on the brake discs, which could indicate past neglect or improper parking habits. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion, especially if the car has been stored in damp conditions, while the underbody should be scrutinised for structural rust in high-stress areas like the sills and subframe. Finally, verify the condition of the tyres beyond just tread depth—look for cracking or dry rotting, which can occur even on lightly used vehicles if they’ve been exposed to prolonged sunlight or temperature fluctuations.