2009 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LL59 GGU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 May 2025, was recorded as a pass but with a failure noted for the off‑side front position lamp, meaning the vehicle did not meet the legal lighting requirement at that test. The same test also carried an advisory that the off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush is worn, although it was not yet causing excessive movement. Looking back over the last three years the pattern shows recurring lighting faults – a major headlamp aim defect and a near‑side position lamp failure in 2023 – and a persistent suspension advisory first noted in 2024. This indicates a maintenance trend that is not improving; the same items are re‑appearing and new lighting defects have emerged, suggesting that remedial work has either been deferred or not fully resolved. With 108,450 mi recorded on a 2009 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6,400 mi per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to normal use rather than accelerated by high mileage bursts. The mileage level does, however, mean that many wear items will be approaching the end of their service life and should be inspected closely. The off‑side front suspension arm bush should be examined for any looseness or clunking when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and when the car is driven over bumps. Excessive play can lead to uneven tyre wear, altered camber and eventual steering instability, so replacement of the bush or the whole arm may be required soon. The rear tyre advisory from August 2024 points to tread that is close to the legal limit and edge wear on both sides; the buyer should check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot and any delamination, and consider fitting a fresh set of tyres if the tread depth is below 3 mm or if the sidewalls show age‑related perishing. The lighting faults – the off‑side front position lamp and the previously noted headlamp aim – should be traced to the bulb, socket, wiring harness and the headlamp adjusters; a simple bulb swap may cure the position lamp, but a mis‑aimed headlamp often indicates a shifted headlamp assembly or worn mounting points and should be realigned by a competent technician. Given the car’s seventeen‑year age, the buyer should also verify the condition of age‑sensitive items that are not reflected in the MOT record. Inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and check that the calipers move freely without sticking – a common issue in vehicles that have spent time standing idle. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at appropriate intervals; fluid colour and smell can reveal degradation, and a full service history or dealer stamps will give confidence that time‑based maintenance has been observed. A thorough test drive listening for any squeaks from the suspension, vibration from the brakes and checking that all lamps illuminate correctly will provide the practical confirmation needed before committing to purchase.