2016 Nissan Pulsar 1.2L Petrol · LL16 BHD

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 April 2026 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were issued relating to the nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edges. Reviewing the broader test history, the vehicle has passed six of its last seven assessments, with the only failures being a dangerous defect on the offside rear brake pads in April 2025 and a major side repeater light defect in June 2022. The 2025 brake failure is the more mechanically significant event, as it was classified dangerous rather than simply major, and although the vehicle subsequently passed on the same date, any prospective buyer should be fully satisfied that the rear braking system was correctly and fully rectified rather than just at the threshold of compliance. The overall pattern suggests a car that has been broadly maintained to a passable standard, but with some recent wear items catching the examiner's attention, which warrants careful physical verification. With around 80,213 miles recorded over a ten year life, this Nissan Pulsar has covered approximately 8,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and not indicative of either neglect from long standing periods or excessive high mileage use. The mileage appears to have accumulated steadily without obvious large gaps in MOT coverage, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use, which is generally favourable for mechanical condition as components such as seals, brakes, and the clutch have remained active. Given the car's age, however, even average mileage translates into a decade of wear on rubber, fluids, and electrical components, so age-related degradation must be considered just as carefully as odometer readings. The most pressing items to inspect on a physical examination are the front tyres, as the 2026 advisories specifically noted edge wear on both sides. Edge wear typically points to suspension geometry issues, incorrect wheel alignment, or under-inflation, so it is worth checking that a geometry check has been carried out and that the replacement tyres are wearing evenly across the full tread width. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, vague or wandering steering, and uneven braking response. The rear brake pads which were at dangerous levels in 2025 should be inspected directly; the caliper should be checked for freedom of movement, the slider pins for seizing, and the discs for scoring or lipping, as binding calipers or worn discs are common secondary problems once pads have been allowed to wear excessively. Beyond the documented items, a ten year old vehicle at average mileage should also be checked for age-related issues that do not always appear on an MOT. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, particularly on the rear wheels which may not have been replaced as frequently, and verify that the spare or repair kit is serviceable. The 12 volt battery is likely due for replacement on age alone, so check the manufacturing date and ask for evidence of recent replacement. Brake fluid and coolant should be considered overdue for renewal on calendar age irrespective of mileage, and the timing chain on the 1.2 DIG-S or 1.5 dCi engines fitted to this model is known to be a service item that warrants confirmation of recent replacement. Finally, check the full service history for stamps at the correct intervals, and inspect the underside for any corrosion, oil leaks, or worn exhaust mounting rubbers, as these are typical age-related concerns for a vehicle now entering its eleventh year.