2009 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · L17 KAY

The 2009 Nissan Micra has demonstrated a stable roadworthiness trend over the past three years, with the most recent MOT test on 2025-08-14 resulting in a clean pass. The absence of defects across all recorded tests—including two consecutive failures in August 2023 and 2025—suggests either consistent maintenance or a vehicle that has not yet encountered major wear. However, the two back-to-back failures in August 2023 and 2025, despite no defects being logged, warrant scrutiny. These repeated test dates imply either a scheduling anomaly or a minor, recurring issue that was overlooked or resolved between tests without leaving a permanent record. The recorded mileage of 16,011 miles over approximately 17 years—roughly 942 miles annually—indicates exceptionally light usage. This low mileage could reflect prolonged periods of inactivity, which may have mitigated some wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes, brake pads, or drivetrain fluids. However, it also raises questions about potential neglect in other areas, such as rust prevention or interior maintenance, given the car’s age. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records further obscures whether the vehicle was stored properly or driven sporadically, which could accelerate deterioration in areas like seals, battery health, or tyre degradation. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components, particularly the coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, as these are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles but can degrade over time due to age and exposure. The repeated August test dates suggest attention to the MOT cycle, but no defects were ever recorded, which could mean minor issues were either fixed informally or not present. Examine the brake system closely—particularly the calipers, discs, and master cylinder—for binding or uneven wear, as this is a common area for silent failure. Structural integrity should also be assessed, focusing on the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for corrosion, which can compromise the chassis even in low-mileage cars left standing for extended periods. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system, catalytic converter, and emissions controls, as these are frequently overlooked in older vehicles and can fail without obvious warning signs.