2013 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · HJ62 KXG

The Nissan Micra holds a valid MOT pass issued on 17 February 2026 at 66,519 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The day prior, on 16 February 2026, the car failed the same test with a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber, a split constant velocity boot on the nearside front drive shaft, a misaligned windscreen washer jet, and a poorly adjusted parking brake. These were fresh defects that had not appeared on the 2025 pass, indicating a sharp decline in mechanical condition over the final twelve months. The tester also flagged corrosion on both rear coil springs and worn front lower suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, issues that have persisted across multiple tests without visible repair. The mileage pattern reinforces the picture of a car that has seen very light use. At roughly 5,117 miles per year over thirteen years, the annual accumulation sits well below the UK average. The record shows 47,508 miles in February 2023, 53,378 miles in February 2024, 60,076 miles in February 2025, and 66,519 miles in February 2026, which is a steady but modest climb of around 6,500 to 6,700 miles per year recently. There are no glaring gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer, so the mileage appears consistent and plausible. Low annual mileage can mean less mechanical wear, but it also raises the risk of long periods of standing, which accelerates corrosion and can perish rubber components such as the CV boot that failed in the February 2026 test. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and drivetrain. The rear coil springs have been flagged as corroded on both sides in every test from February 2023 through February 2026, with no evidence of replacement. Surface corrosion can progress to structural weakness, so check for any signs of cracking or sag. The front lower suspension arm pins or bushes were noted as worn but not causing excessive movement in both the February 2025 and February 2026 tests, suggesting gradual deterioration that may now have worsened. The nearside rear shock absorber was leaking seriously at the most recent failure, so bounce-test the rear and look for oil misting on the damper body. The split nearside front CV boot, also new to the 2026 failure, means the joint has been exposed to dirt and water. Inspect the joint for clicking on full lock and check for grease slinging on the inner wheel arch. The parking brake lever had excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment, and the windscreen washer jets were misaligned, both of which are minor but point to a lack of basic attention. The repeated presence of a child seat blocking the nearside rear adult belt inspection across all tests is a procedural note rather than a mechanical concern, but it does mean the belt has never been fully verified. Overall, the car presents as a low-mileage example with a persistent corrosion issue at the rear and a cluster of new mechanical faults that suggest deferred maintenance rather than catastrophic neglect. A thorough inspection of the rear springs, shock absorbers, CV joint, and front suspension bushes is essential before purchase.