1991 Nissan Figaro 1.0L Petrol · E6 GRN

The Nissan Figaro’s most recent MOT, conducted on 27 August 2025 at 112,217 miles, shows a clear worsening trend in suspension and structural corrosion, despite the vehicle having passed on the same day after an earlier failure. During the initial test, the tester flagged corrosion on both front and rear coil springs, light oil misting from both rear shock absorbers, a high CO emission reading, and a non-functioning offside rear fog lamp. Although the emissions and lighting faults were rectified before the pass, the corrosion and shock absorber wear remained as advisories, indicating the car is now carrying age-related structural and suspension deterioration that has not been fully addressed. At roughly 3,206 miles per year, the mileage is low for a 1991 vehicle, and the MOT record confirms very modest use. Between September 2022 at 106,102 miles and September 2023 at 109,604 miles, only 3,502 miles were added, and from September 2023 to September 2024 at 111,098 miles, a further 1,494 miles were recorded. The jump to 112,217 miles by August 2025 represents just 1,119 miles in roughly eleven months. This pattern suggests light, possibly intermittent use, which can lead to long periods of standing and localised corrosion rather than the more uniform wear seen on higher-mileage examples. A buyer should treat the repeated coil spring corrosion as a serious structural concern rather than a minor advisory. Both front and rear springs were corroded in the August 2025 test, and the same issue appeared in the earlier failure, suggesting progressive deterioration that may compromise ride quality, suspension geometry, and long-term structural integrity. The rear shock absorbers’ light oil misting on both sides points to declining damping performance, which can affect braking stability and tyre contact with the road. Given the car’s age and low mileage, a close inspection of all suspension mounting points, subframes, sills, and floor pan for hidden corrosion is essential, alongside a thorough check of brake lines, flexible hoses, and exhaust components that may have deteriorated from age rather than use. The advisory history also hints at inconsistent basic upkeep. Front tyre cracking and perishing were flagged in both 2022 and 2024, suggesting tyres are ageing out rather than wearing out, which raises questions about storage conditions and replacement intervals. Before purchase, a prospective buyer should verify the age and condition of all tyres, test the operation of all lights and emissions components, and carry out a detailed underside inspection, ideally on a ramp, to assess whether the corrosion noted on the coil springs has spread to load-bearing areas.