2012 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · DV12 LFN

The most recent MOT tests on this 2012 Nissan Micra, conducted on 2026-02-23 , reveal an unusual but technically stable roadworthiness status. The vehicle passed one test and failed the other—both at the same mileage (31,430)—with no recorded defects or advisories. This suggests the tester may have encountered procedural inconsistencies rather than genuine mechanical issues. The preceding tests, spanning 2023 to 2025 , all passed without fail, indicating no recurring faults in brakes, suspension, emissions, or structural integrity over the past three years. However, the 2026 failure —despite identical mileage—demands scrutiny, as it breaks the prior trend of clean results. The lack of advisories in any test implies no deferred maintenance was noted by the tester, though this does not preclude hidden wear. The recorded mileage of 31,430 miles over 14 years (as of 2026) equates to approximately 2,245 miles per year , which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests—particularly the 10-month interval between 2025 and 2026 —is standard, but the stagnant mileage raises questions about how the car has been stored or used. The 2023 to 2024 test saw only 1,336 miles logged in a year, while the 2024 to 2025 period added just 1,005 miles . Such minimal movement could accelerate wear in suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components due to prolonged static loading, even if no faults were officially recorded. The absence of advisories for corrosion or structural issues does not rule out hidden deterioration in underbody panels or wheel arches, particularly given the vehicle’s age. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components , including bushings, dampers, and coil springs, for signs of perished rubber or excessive play. The braking system —though never failed—should be tested for uneven wear on discs or pads, as low mileage does not preclude binding calipers or warped rotors from prolonged disuse. Exhaust emissions were never flagged, but a smoke test and visual check for leaks in the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors would be prudent, given the vehicle’s age. Corrosion checks are essential, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe , where stagnant conditions could have accelerated rust despite clean MOT results. The tyres , though not recorded in the MOT, should be inspected for uneven wear or age-related cracking, as the low mileage may mask deeper degradation. Finally, the electrical system , including lights and indicators, should be thoroughly tested, as intermittent failures are not always captured in MOT tests.