2022 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · DN71 PCX

The latest MOT test for the 2022 Nissan Micra on 2026-01-15 resulted in a clean pass, though it included several advisories that warrant careful consideration. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, with no failures or critical defects in the intervening period, suggesting that while some wear-related issues have been identified, they have not progressed to a point where roadworthiness is compromised. The recurring advisories—particularly those concerning tyre wear and suspension components—indicate that the vehicle has been subjected to moderate usage that has accelerated wear on consumables and moving parts, but the current state does not meet the threshold for failure. These advisories should be monitored closely, as they may signal underlying issues that could worsen with continued use or under certain driving conditions. The recorded mileage of 33,037 miles for a vehicle aged four years represents a reasonable annual mileage of approximately 8,259 miles, which is consistent with typical usage patterns for this model. There is no evidence of unusually high mileage accumulation, which might suggest excessive wear on brakes, suspension, or drivetrain components, nor are there signs of prolonged idling or standing that could exacerbate corrosion or fluid degradation. However, the advisories on suspension arm bushings and shock absorbers suggest that the vehicle has experienced some dynamic loading, potentially from rough roads or aggressive driving, which has led to wear on these components. The tyre advisories, particularly the nearside front and offside rear tyres nearing legal limits, indicate that regular rotation or replacement may be necessary to prevent uneven wear patterns that could compromise handling and tyre longevity. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should begin by verifying the advisories noted in the latest MOT. The nearside front and offside rear tyres showing edge wear and minor sidewall damage suggest that the vehicle has been driven with uneven tyre pressure or alignment, which could have contributed to this condition. On a test drive, listen for any irregularities in tyre noise, particularly if one side is worn more than the other, as this may indicate alignment or camber issues. The advisories on suspension arm bushings and shock absorbers require further inspection: check for excessive play in the suspension arms by gently pushing and pulling the wheel from side to side while the vehicle is stationary, and listen for clunking noises when driving over bumps, which may indicate worn or failing suspension components. Additionally, inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of oil leakage around the top mounts and for reduced damping effectiveness, which could be evident as a loss of ride comfort or body roll during cornering. Beyond the MOT advisories, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural and fluid-based systems. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, focus on the following areas: examine the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, which can occur from prolonged exposure to UV light and age-related degradation, even if the tread remains legal; check the 12V battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the battery holds a charge when the ignition is off; inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on discs or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, as standing fluid can cause rust and reduced braking efficiency; verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and show no signs of contamination or degradation, as fluid age can significantly impact performance and longevity; and finally, confirm that the service book or maintenance records have been updated, especially for time-based servicing such as the oil change interval, which for this model should be approximately every 15,000 to 20,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. If the vehicle has been driven at a lower annual mileage, as suggested by the advisories, it may also be prudent to check for any standing corrosion on the undercarriage, particularly around wheel arches and exhaust components, which can develop from prolonged exposure to damp conditions.