2007 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · CX57 XFK

The most recent MOT on 9 June 2026 was passed, but it carried a series of advisories covering a minor oil leak, wear on both front suspension arm pins or bushes and mild wear on the inner front brake discs. Over the last three years the vehicle has moved from a failure in April 2024 – where a fractured off‑side front coil spring and a non‑functional engine MIL were recorded – to successive passes in 2025 and 2026, albeit with the same front suspension wear recurring. This pattern suggests that the major fault was addressed, likely by replacing the coil spring and rectifying the MIL issue, and that the car is now generally stable, though the persistent suspension bush wear indicates a component that may soon require replacement. At 76 010 miles for a 2007 model the average annual mileage is roughly 4 000 miles, well below the typical 8‑12 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be gentler on wear items such as engine bearings and transmission gears but can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and battery capacity. The modest mileage also means that consumables such as tyres, brake pads and fluids may be older than their service life despite relatively low wear, so calendar age must be considered alongside the odometer reading. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension. The repeated advisory for worn arm pins or bushes can manifest as a loose feeling when turning, clunking noises over bumps, or uneven tyre wear, especially on the front wheels. A thorough visual inspection of the bushings for cracks, excessive play in the arm joints and a test‑drive that includes tight cornering and a quick‑release of the steering wheel will reveal any residual looseness. The front inner brake discs, although not excessively worn, should be measured for remaining thickness and inspected for scoring; any pulsation in the brake pedal or shudder when applying the brakes would indicate that the discs are approaching their service limit. The minor oil leak noted in the latest MOT should be traced – look for oil spots under the engine bay and check the oil level and condition – as a small leak can become a larger issue if left unchecked. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a comprehensive age‑related check is essential. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or loss of tread even if the tread depth appears adequate, paying special attention to the off‑side rear tyre that was previously flagged. Test the 12‑volt battery’s cranking voltage and consider a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods lose capacity. Verify that coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids have been replaced within the recommended intervals; old fluids can become contaminated and affect system performance. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, timing belt or chain maintenance (if applicable) and that any fault codes from the earlier MIL issue have been cleared, ensuring the engine management system is fully operational before committing to purchase.