2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · FD66 CEF

Over seven recorded MOT tests spanning from November 2019 through November 2025, this Micra has consistently passed without any failures, but the advisory trail tells a more nuanced mechanical story than a clean sheet would suggest. The 2025-11-05 test returned a pass with no defects recorded, continuing the unbroken pass sequence. However, the 2024-10-29 test flagged an advisory for slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing, and the 2022-11-07 test simultaneously recorded three advisories: a non-excessive oil leak, a worn nearside front suspension arm bush, and a worn offside front suspension arm bush. Both suspension advisories were re-examined at the 2024 test without further comment, suggesting either stability or that the wear had not progressed to failure point, but the pattern of advisories clustering in the front suspension and drivetrain areas is worth attention. The fact that no brake, tyre, exhaust, corrosion, or structural advisories have appeared in any test is a notable positive against the record. The mileage profile is unusually low for a ten-year-old vehicle, with 28,323 recorded miles equating to roughly 2,832 miles annually. There are no apparent gaps in the annual MOT testing cycle, with tests recorded consecutively from 2019 through 2025, so the vehicle has clearly been in regular use rather than laid up. This low annual accumulation means wear on major mechanical consumables such as the clutch, brake friction material, and drivetrain components has been minimal, but it also means components that suffer from age-related degradation rather than mileage, such as rubber bushes, seals, drive belts, and internal brake system seals, will still have aged in line with the calendar. The front suspension bush wear flagged in 2022 and the wheel bearing play flagged in 2024 are consistent with age-related rubber hardening and bearing degradation rather than high-mileage mechanical fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the principal area to interrogate physically. The two front lower arm bushes flagged in 2022 should be inspected for any renewed cracking, splitting, or excessive movement, particularly by rocking each front wheel laterally at the bottom while the vehicle is raised and listening for clonking or feeling for free play. On the road, pay close attention to any knocking or rattling transmitted through the steering or front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or pothole strikes, and note any vagueness in the steering response that could indicate bushing compliance rather than rack wear. The nearside front wheel bearing advisory from 2024 warrants a road test on a quiet stretch of dual carriageway or motorway, listening for a humming, growling, or rumbling drone that rises and falls with speed, and gently weaving left and right to load each bearing in turn to identify the source of any noise. The oil leak advisory from 2022 should also be re-examined, as even a non-excessive leak can progress, particularly on a low-mileage vehicle where seals may have dried out from infrequent use. On a cold start, listen for any timing chain rattle that could indicate stretched chain tensioner operation, and inspect the underside for fresh oil residue around the sump, cam cover, and front crankshaft seal. Confirm the engine oil level on the dipstick is within range and that the oil appears black rather than milky. Given the low annual mileage and age, also verify the condition of the tyres, as age-hardened rubber can present grip issues even with legal tread depth, and check that the battery holds charge under load, as infrequent long journeys can leave a 12V battery undercharged and prone to premature failure. Overall, the absence of any failures and the limited advisory scope present a tractable inspection focus rather than a hidden mechanical concern.