2007 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · FD07 ETR

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 20 October 2025 resulted in a pass, although five separate advisories were recorded against it. These advisories relate to a faulty bonnet secondary safety catch, a rear side light being affected by the indicator function, an insecure exhaust heat shield in the mid section, a defective front exhaust mounting rubber, and front brake discs that are worn, pitted, scored, and corroded though not yet considered seriously weakened. While a pass is clearly favourable, the volume of advisories on the latest test warrants careful attention. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has experienced a number of advisories over recent tests alongside a failure in October 2023 involving an insecure anti-roll bar linkage and a track rod end ball joint with excessive play. The pattern suggests a car that is mechanically aging and accumulating wear items rather than one with stable, consistent maintenance, even though it has passed each annual inspection since the 2023 failure. The recorded mileage of 112,732 miles on this 2007 Nissan Micra equates to approximately 5,933 miles per year over its nineteen-year life, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. The MOT history reveals a gap between 2020 and 2021 with no recorded test until October 2021, though the mileage progression between tests of 12,231 miles per year at the recent end suggests the car is seeing more regular activity in recent years than its long-term average would imply. Lower annual mileage over the vehicle's life can be indicative of extended periods of standing, which carries its own concerns regarding brake caliper seizure, corrosion on brake discs, and deterioration of rubber components and fluids through calendar age rather than mechanical use. The relatively modest current usage rate suggests the car may be a second or occasional-use vehicle. In terms of buyer guidance given the advisory items recorded, the front brake disc corrosion and pitting flagged at the latest test should be inspected directly by viewing both inner and outer disc faces for lipping, deep scoring, or uneven surface condition. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder felt through the steering wheel or pedal under firm application, which would indicate the discs have warped or worn beyond acceptable limits. The exhaust advisories concerning the heat shield and mounting rubber warrant inspection of the full exhaust system for rattles on start-up, visible hanging of the undertray or heat shield, and any signs of blowing gases or soot around joints which would suggest impending replacement of the mounting rubbers. The track rod end replacement from the 2023 failure should be confirmed by checking for any uneven or feathered wear on the front tyres, as excessive inner or outer edge wear can indicate the geometry was not properly reset after the repair. Given the vehicle's age and relatively low annual mileage, particular attention should also be paid to age-related deterioration that does not necessarily manifest as mileage-based wear. Inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for visible cracking or perishing of the rubber, which is common on older vehicles even with reasonable tread depth, and verify that the tyres are no more than around five to six years old regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its ability to hold charge, as batteries that have sat discharged or partially charged during periods of low use frequently fail prematurely. Check under the bonnet and beneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leaks from ageing seals, particularly around the cam belt cover and oil sump, and verify that the cam belt and water pump replacement intervals have been observed, as these are time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive services on a vehicle of this age. Finally, confirm the service book stamps align with both mileage and calendar intervals, and inspect for any corrosion on the rear wheel arches, sills, and underbody which can develop rapidly on older vehicles kept outdoors.