2007 Nissan Micra 1.4L Petrol · EX07 ABN

Running costs for the 1.4-litre Nissan Micra are generally modest. Real-world fuel economy typically sits in the 38–44 mpg bracket, and with a sub-1.5-litre petrol engine the vehicle falls into a low insurance group (group 3–5 depending on trim), keeping premiums affordable for younger or urban buyers. Road tax is minimal thanks to the low CO2 output of this engine variant, typically £30–£35 per year under the current VED bands for vehicles registered before 2017 that emit under 150 g/km. Cheap parts availability is a strong point — Nissan Micra components are widely stocked and inexpensive from pattern-part suppliers.

Maintenance costs for this generation of Micra are generally low, with routine items such as brake pads, filters, and fluids all reasonably priced at independent garages. However, the specific defects seen in this vehicle's MOT history — front brake imbalance, anti-roll bar links, suspension arm bushes, and headlamp aim — could collectively cost £400–£700 to put right at a main dealer or specialist, considerably more at a franchised outlet. Allowing for tyres, an MOT fee, and routine servicing, we would estimate annual running costs in the region of £1,000–£1,300 for a buyer who tackles the outstanding issues promptly. Insurance is unlikely to be a major burden given the car's modest performance and group rating.

Begin any inspection by replicating the MOT conditions as closely as possible. Check headlamp aim on both sides using a flat surface and the manufacturer's marking — this is the defect that has appeared at both recorded failures in 2024 and 2026, and if it is still wrong on collection, walk away. Inspect both front headlamp units for cracked lenses, water ingress, and the integrity of the levelling motor mechanism, as a faulty motor or loose adjuster will throw the beam out repeatedly. Also verify that both registration plate lamps illuminate reliably, as the February 2026 failure flagged this on every lamp.

The November 2024 MOT recorded an excessively worn nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and a worn front suspension arm pin or bush, along with a front brake imbalance. On inspection, jack the car up and rock each front wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock to feel for play in the anti-roll bar drop links and lower suspension arms. Check the front brake discs for lipping, thickness variation, and pad wear — an imbalance across the axle usually points to a seized caliper slide pin or a sticking piston. Inspect the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover for splits, as the November 2023 advisory noted this was already severely deteriorated; if it has not been replaced, expect it to fail at the next MOT.

Beyond the MOT-flagged items, inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, sills, and wheel arches — Micras of this vintage are prone to surface rust in these areas. Check the exhaust for blowing joints and the condition of the centre and rear silencers. On the 1.4-litre engine, listen for timing chain rattle on cold start, which would indicate the chain and tensioner are due for replacement. Finally, verify all electrical functions including the horn, wipers, and interior lights, and confirm the mileage shown on the odometer matches the V5C and MOT records — the unusually low 38,263-mile figure for a 2007 car warrants careful verification.