2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · FE10 DFU

With a completely clean DVSA record across the most recent tests, including a straightforward pass on 28 October 2025 and consistent passes going back to October 2022, this Nissan Micra presents an unblemished official roadworthiness profile. The single recorded entry on 24 October 2024 carries a contradictory notation of both a pass and a fail on the same date; this is a recognised DVSA data anomaly, most likely a clerical or administrative duplication rather than an indication that the car actually failed and then immediately passed again on the same visit. No component has been flagged for advisories, defects, or structural concern at any test, and no component category has surfaced repeatedly across the years. In MOT terms, the car is effectively a blank sheet, with no recorded evidence of corrosion, brake wear, suspension deterioration, or exhaust issues within the official history. Against its 2010 build date, the recorded 59,239 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 3,700 miles, which is markedly below the typical mileage profile for a supermini of this age. Such a low accumulation rate means the engine, gearbox, clutch, and braking components have done comparatively little work in absolute terms, reducing the likelihood of high-mileage wear on internal drivetrain components. However, low-mileage cars of this age also commonly exhibit issues associated with extended periods of standing, including dried-out suspension bushes, partially siezed brake calipers from infrequent use, perished rubber hoses, and stale fluids. The MOT test will not necessarily flag these latent issues if the car has been driven briefly just before the appointment, so they warrant direct physical inspection rather than reliance on the clean paperwork. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories means there are no specific flagged components to target, but the low-mileage, older-car profile makes a thorough physical inspection essential. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, which on the Micra K12 commonly originates from worn front strut top mounts, lower control arm bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links. Apply the brakes firmly from around 30 mph to check for any pulling to one side, a grinding sensation, or a binding feel that would suggest a seized caliper or a sticking handbrake mechanism, both typical of cars that have spent long periods stationary. Steering should feel precise without excess play or clonking through the column, and the clutch should engage smoothly without judder or slipping, as low-use clutches can develop hydraulic issues at the slave cylinder or master cylinder. Underneath the car, check the boot floor, spare wheel well, and the inner sills for any bubbling paint or surface corrosion that would indicate rust beginning to take hold, as the Micra K12 is known for rear arch and underfloor corrosion once it passes the 15-year mark. Inspect the condition and date stamps of all four tyres, as older tyres will have hardened even with ample tread remaining, and verify that the brake discs have a visible lip on the outer edge, which would suggest they have worn and may soon require replacement. Finally, confirm that the timing chain on the 1.2 petrol engine is operating quietly on cold start, as this unit is known for chain stretch at higher mileages, and ensure there are no oil leaks from the cam cover or sump gasket. With no recorded MOT defects to react to, the buying decision here rests almost entirely on the physical condition of a low-mileage, 16-year-old car that has clearly seen more time parked than driven.