2014 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · FN64 UST

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, but this followed a recorded Fail earlier the same day over a wiper effectiveness Major defect and a dangerous level rear brake binding defect on the nearside. This is an unusual dual-record entry and suggests the owner rectified the brake and wiper issues immediately prior to re-presenting the vehicle. Looking at the broader trend, the pattern is one of progressive deterioration rather than stable maintenance. The 2023 test recorded a Dangerous failure for a nearside front suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached, the 2021 test saw Major advisories on both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes, and these same bushes have appeared as worn advisories repeatedly through 2022, 2024 and 2025. A persistent oil leak advisory has also been recorded at every annual test since at least 2021, indicating an unresolved engine or gearbox oil seepage that warrants further investigation. At 152,995 miles over twelve years, this Micra is averaging roughly 12,750 miles annually, which is high for the model and substantially above typical private-car usage. The MOT record does not reveal any prolonged standing periods and the mileage accumulation appears steady, meaning consumable wear on braking components, tyres, suspension and drivetrain parts should be proportionate to this high use. Such high mileage on a small Nissan generally places additional strain on the timing chain, clutch and gearbox synchros, as well as accelerating wear on engine mountings, which ties in with the recurring suspension component advisories. The recurring front suspension arm pin and bush wear advisories are a significant mechanical concern. These components control the geometry and location of the front wheels, and as the bushes age and harden with high-mileage use, they allow play to develop, leading to imprecise steering, uneven and accelerated front tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer edges, and audible clonking or knocking over bumps and on full lock. A careful test drive should be conducted at low speed over uneven surfaces with the windows down to listen for suspension clunks, and the front tyres should be inspected closely for uneven shoulder wear, which would confirm progression beyond the advisory stage. Given that the same bushes were flagged as excessively worn in 2021, the persistent reappearance of advisories suggests they have likely never been properly replaced and a prospective buyer should budget for a complete front suspension bush replacement alongside a geometry alignment. The nearside rear brake binding failure from the latest test is a serious safety issue that demands immediate verification. Binding rear calipers or seized handbrake mechanism can cause the affected wheel to drag, leading to excessive heat generation, brake disc warping, premature pad wear on the opposite side due to imbalance, and reduced fuel economy. On a test drive, the vehicle should be assessed for pulling to one side under braking, a burning smell after use, and an excessively hot wheel hub following a short drive. In addition to the suspension and brake concerns, the unresolved oil leak should be traced to determine its source, whether from the cam cover gasket, sump, or valve seals, as prolonged leaks can lead to component failure through lubrication loss. Beyond the documented defects, a high-mileage twelve-year-old vehicle warrants thorough inspection of the condition of the timing chain for any rattle on cold start, the clutch for slipping or juddering, the cooling system for any signs of corrosion or weeping, and confirmation that the timing belt if fitted, brake fluid, and coolant have been replaced in line with calendar-based intervals regardless of mileage, as fluid degradation occurs with age as well as use.