2001 Nissan Almera 1.8L Petrol · EX51 ABZ

The Nissan Almera presents a stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT tests, with both the September 2021 and September 2022 inspections passing without any defects at mileages of 105,836 and 107,273 respectively. This clean history suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a basic standard, at least in terms of meeting DVSA minimum requirements. The absence of advisories or failures over this period implies no obvious signs of neglect in critical areas such as brakes, suspension, or structural integrity during these tests. However, the near-three-year gap between the latest MOT (September 2022) and today (July 2026) means the vehicle is now overdue for its next statutory inspection—a significant oversight for any buyer to address immediately. The Almera’s mileage accumulation of just 1,437 miles over the past three years (2022–2026) is unusually low for a vehicle of its age, averaging under 480 miles annually. This suggests either very light use, prolonged periods of inactivity, or potential underreporting of mileage. The consistency in mileage between the two MOTs (105,836 to 107,273) further reinforces this pattern, with no sudden spikes that might indicate heavy usage or abuse. Such low mileage could mean reduced wear on consumables, but it also raises questions about whether the car has been stored rather than actively driven, which may accelerate issues like tyre perishing, brake fluid degradation, or suspension component stiffening. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components that are prone to silent degradation in low-mileage, long-standing vehicles. The rear brakes and suspension—particularly the bushes, coil springs, and track control arms—should be checked for stiffness or corrosion, as these can deteriorate even with minimal use. Tyre condition is critical; despite no MOT failures, the age of the rubber (over 25 years old) may have compromised its structural integrity, increasing the risk of sudden failure. The exhaust system, especially the mounts and heat shields, should be examined for rust or detachment, while the battery and electrical connections may show signs of corrosion if the vehicle has been stored. Finally, a test drive should assess braking performance, steering responsiveness, and any unusual noises, as these can indicate issues not captured in a static MOT test.