2002 Nissan Almera 1.8L Petrol · EX02 MTY

A 24-year-old Nissan Almera carrying roughly 3,000 miles per year presents a mechanical picture dominated by age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear, and the MOT history reflects that clearly. The latest test on 10 July 2026 was a pass with no advisories, but it sits alongside a same-day fail for an offside rear stop lamp, which suggests minor electrical items are being caught and rectified in quick succession rather than pointing to any chronic electrical fault. Earlier in the record there are more substantive concerns: a fractured offside rear coil spring recorded as a major defect in June 2023 is a significant suspension failure that would have demanded immediate replacement, and the July 2024 test included a major failure for an inoperative headlamp levelling device on both sides, indicating the internal levelling mechanism or its linkage has deteriorated. Advisories also flag a deformed outer sill on the offside front in 2025, which the tester judged not to compromise structural rigidity at that point but warrants close re-examination, as sill deformation can progress towards structural concern over time. The mileage profile of 73,881 miles across 24 years equates to an average of around 3,078 miles annually, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and suggests extended periods of either light use or standing. Such low accumulation typically means the engine, gearbox and drivetrain internals have seen limited mechanical stress, however age-related degradation of rubber, plastics, seals, brake hydraulic components and underbody protection becomes the dominant wear factor. The MOT test history shows broadly annual testing from 2022 onwards with no extended gaps, so there is no multi-year lay-up that would raise particular concerns about seized brakes, perished fuel lines or a deeply discharged battery being left uncorrected, but the very low annual mileage does mean consumables such as brake fluid, coolant, tyres and drive belts will still require time-based renewal regardless of the odometer reading. The 2023 advisory for a binding offside front brake is consistent with a vehicle that has spent long periods stationary, where caliper slide pins and pistons can corrode lightly from disuse. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks should focus on the suspension and underbody, given the recorded fractured rear coil spring and the deformed outer sill advisory. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, which could indicate tired rear spring seats, weakened shock absorbers or excess play in the trailing arm bushes, and inspect both rear springs visually for any sign of cracking or sagging. The front end should be checked for uneven tyre wear on the offside, which can point to a weakened spring, top mount or wishbone bush, and the steering should be assessed for any vagueness or knocking through the rack under load. Brake feel needs particular scrutiny after the binding offside front caliper advisory; the vehicle should roll freely on a flat forecourt with the handbrake released, and there should be no pulling to one side under firm braking, which would suggest a sticking caliper or a collapsed brake hose on the offside front. Body integrity around the offside front outer sill area flagged in 2025 deserves hands-on inspection, as the tester noted deformation without significant loss of rigidity, and any further deformation, surface rust bubbling through paint or flaking underbody underseal would suggest the corrosion front is advancing. The nearside front brake was flagged as fluctuating in 2024, so pedal feel should be tested for any inconsistent bite or judder under repeated stops, and the offside front disc and pad condition inspected for uneven wear, lipping or heat scoring that would confirm lingering caliper issues. Lighting and minor electrical items should be methodically checked, given the stop lamp failure, the headlamp levelling device major defect and multiple inoperative registration plate and wiper items in 2024; verify that both headlamps respond correctly to the internal levelling control, that all bulbs illuminate promptly on start-up, and that the wiper blades sweep cleanly without smearing. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected from underneath for any corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, as these perish with age regardless of mileage, and the engine should be examined for any oil misting around the cam cover or sump gasket consistent with standing rather than running wear.