2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · DN16 FOP

The defining mechanical story of this 2016 Nissan Micra centres on a recurring pattern of front suspension wear that has surfaced across multiple MOT inspections, despite the vehicle maintaining a clean pass record at its most recent test on 3 May 2025. The front suspension arm pin or bush wear was first noted in November 2021, reappeared in May 2024, and the same test in 2024 also flagged corrosion on both rear coil springs. This recurring advisory trail suggests progressive deterioration of the front suspension linkage bushes that has not yet reached failure threshold but is clearly advancing. The single failure recorded, a deep cut in the nearside front tyre in April 2023, was a consumable item that was rectified in time for the rescheduled pass just six days later, so it does not point to any underlying structural or mechanical concern. Against its ten-year age, the recorded mileage of 33,561 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,356 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age bracket and consistent with light urban or suburban use rather than high-mileage commuting. The MOT history is also relatively infrequent, with gaps between tests reflecting that the vehicle may have spent periods off the road or used only sparingly, though there is no multi-year lay-up that would raise specific concerns about seized brakes or perished fuel lines. Low-mileage examples of this age do tend to suffer more from corrosion-related deterioration on underbody components than from wear on drivetrain parts, which is consistent with the coil spring corrosion advisory already noted. Otherwise, the lack of brake, exhaust, or steering advisories beyond the suspension items suggests the braking system and steering geometry remain in reasonable condition for the mileage covered. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas should be the front suspension components, specifically the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages, as these have been flagged twice over four years and are likely nearing a point where replacement will be required within the next service interval. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, rough road surfaces, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, as worn bushes typically produce audible feedback under load. Pay particular attention to vague or wandering steering response and any uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would confirm that the bush wear has begun to affect wheel geometry. The rear coil spring corrosion advisory is also worth a physical inspection, as coil springs that have corroded to the point of MOT advisory in a low-mileage car can indicate broader underbody corrosion that may not yet be visible on jacking points or subframe mounting areas. Finally, a thorough underside examination on a ramp or with the wheels removed is strongly advised to check for any developing corrosion around the rear spring seats, trailing arm mounts, and the front subframe, given the pattern already established. Inspect the nearside front tyre carefully for any unusual wear pattern that might suggest the previously replaced tyre was renewed following alignment issues caused by the worn bushes. Test the brakes firmly from speed to confirm there is no pulling or juddering, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from corroded or slightly binding calipers, particularly at the rear. Ensure all warning lights extinguish promptly on ignition and that the engine starts readily without extended cranking, which would confirm that the modest usage has not unduly stressed the battery or starting system. Overall, this Micra presents a fundamentally sound platform with a known and manageable suspension wear pattern, provided the front bushes are addressed before they progress beyond advisory tolerance.