2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LP08 WDO

The most recent DVSA examination took place on 10 December 2025, at which the vehicle achieved a clean pass with no advisories or failures recorded. This continues a stable pattern of successful tests since 2023, suggesting that the mechanical condition presented at MOT has been maintained to a satisfactory standard over the preceding three years. The only recorded advisory and failure both occurred at the same test on 4 October 2022, relating to the offside rear road wheel being slightly distorted and a stop lamp issue caused by lamp interaction, neither of which has reappeared in subsequent examinations. The absence of any recurring advisories regarding suspension components, braking performance, exhaust integrity, or corrosion indicates that the vehicle has not developed progressive wear concerns during the documented test history. With a recorded mileage of 40,096 miles across approximately eighteen years on the road, this Nissan Micra has averaged around 2,228 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage generally indicates either predominantly short-trip urban use or extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Prolonged standing can lead to brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, deterioration of rubber components through lack of regular flexing, and accelerated tyre ageing due to age rather than tread wear. Conversely, predominantly short journeys may have prevented the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature consistently, potentially leading to internal moisture accumulation, oil dilution, and premature degradation of coolant and exhaust components. Given the relatively clean MOT history and the absence of any advisories related to wear-and-tear items, the prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than mileage-driven wear. The tyres warrant close inspection for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on low-mileage vehicles of this vintage, even where the tread depth remains legal; check the date codes on the sidewalls and replace if the rubber shows any sign of ozone damage. The braking system should be examined for surface corrosion on the discs and any tendency for the calipers to bind, particularly after the vehicle has been stationary, as standing time can lead to uneven pad wear against corroded discs and produce judder or pulling under braking. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as units of this age frequently fail without warning, and the time-based servicing items, including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission oil if applicable, should be verified as having been changed at appropriate calendar intervals regardless of the low odometer reading, since fluid degradation occurs through age as well as use. On a test drive, attention should be paid to any suspension clunks or knocking from the front MacPherson struts and rear axle bushes, as original rubber bushes on a vehicle of this age commonly perish and may not yet have attracted an advisory if the wear remains within MOT tolerance. Listen for any drivetrain noises, particularly from the constant velocity joints when turning at full lock, and observe whether the steering returns smoothly to centre without pulling. Inspect the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion at the mounting brackets, flex section, and rear silencer, as exhaust components on an eighteen-year-old vehicle are typically approaching the end of their service life even at low mileage. Finally, verify the service book history to confirm that annual or biennial services have been carried out regardless of the low annual mileage, and check for evidence of timing chain or cambelt replacement where applicable, as these are time-sensitive items that must be changed according to age rather than distance travelled.