2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · DX54 FMP

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded against this 2004 Nissan Micra took place on 27 September 2023, with a PASS recorded and no advisories or defects noted. However, the same date also shows a FAIL entry with no defects recorded, which in practice typically indicates that a minor administrative or retest situation was logged on the same day before the vehicle subsequently passed. The 2022 and 2021 test entries follow the identical pattern of a PASS alongside a same-day FAIL, again with no defects recorded. Across the available five-year MOT history, the vehicle has consistently passed at each annual attempt, with no recorded advisories for tyres, brakes, suspension, corrosion, exhaust emissions, or lighting. This trend points to a stable and reasonably well-maintained roadworthiness profile, although the absence of any recorded advisories on a 22-year-old vehicle should prompt closer physical scrutiny rather than complacency, as low-mileage cars often present issues that do not manifest on standard MOT inspection procedures. The recorded mileage of 63,931 miles over approximately 22 years equates to an average annual usage of around 2,900 miles, which is well below the typical UK average and indicative of either very light motoring or, more likely, extended periods of standing or seasonal use. Such low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine components but simultaneously introduces risks associated with inactivity. Brake discs and calipers are particularly vulnerable to corrosion and seizure when a vehicle is not regularly exercised, brake hydraulic seals can deteriorate from lack of use, and tyre rubber can perish from age even when tread depth remains adequate. Coolant, brake fluid, and fuel system components also degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, meaning that a 22-year-old vehicle with only 63,000 recorded miles may still require significant age-related servicing regardless of how little it has actually been driven. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means that a careful physical inspection becomes essential, particularly given the low-mileage, older-vehicle profile. Check all four tyres, including the spare, for sidewall cracking, perishing, and bulging, as tyres fitted to a vehicle of this age will almost certainly be well past the six-year DOT date code and may need replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for visible surface rust and raised lipping at the outer edges, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as cable and caliper mechanisms can bind or seize after long periods of disuse. Open the bonnet and check that the 12V battery is securely mounted, free from corrosion at the terminals, and confirm its age by the manufacturing date stamp, as a 22-year-old vehicle is likely to have had at least one battery replacement but the current unit may still be nearing the end of its service life. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any clunks or knocking from the front suspension, which on a Micra of this age commonly indicates worn lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount deterioration. Listen for uneven pulling under braking, which can suggest a binding or partially seized caliper that may not yet have triggered an MOT failure but will compromise stopping performance and fuel efficiency. Verify that the steering remains free of excess play and that the engine cooling fan cuts in promptly, as a stuck viscous fan coupling or degraded coolant can lead to overheating in older vehicles. Finally, request evidence of recent servicing including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil changes carried out within the last two to three years irrespective of mileage, as time-based fluid degradation is a genuine concern on a vehicle that may have covered fewer than 3,000 miles annually throughout much of its life.