2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LP10 NLO

The most recent MOT inspection on 24 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle shows a concerning trend of worsening mechanical advisories. While the car has avoided outright failures in the last two years, the frequency and nature of the advisories suggest a period of deferred maintenance. Specifically, the transition from minor issues to more significant wear on braking components and tyres indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where several consumable items will require immediate replacement to maintain roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 93,761 over approximately 16 years, this Nissan Micra has averaged roughly 5,860 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, suggesting the vehicle has been used for short, infrequent trips rather than long-distance motorway driving. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and transmission, it carries specific risks for a vehicle of this age. Low usage often leads to longer periods of standing, which can cause accelerated degradation of rubber components, fluid contamination, and corrosion on braking surfaces due to lack of regular friction and heat. The MOT history highlights several recurring issues that demand close scrutiny during a test drive. The most pressing concern is the braking system, with recent advisories for thin front brake pads and pitted or scored front discs. You should listen for any grinding noises during braking or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which would indicate significant disc deterioration. Furthermore, the history of parking brake inefficiency and the recent advisory regarding the nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit and cracking suggests that the braking and tyre management have been inconsistent. You must inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, a common symptom of age-related rubber degradation in low-mileage vehicles, and check for uneven tread wear which could indicate worn suspension bushes or incorrect alignment. Suspension and electrical components also require attention. The recent minor defect regarding the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover indicates the beginning of suspension wear; listen for clunking or rattling sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. The previous failures regarding the engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and various lighting issues suggest that electrical reliability has been an intermittent problem. On your inspection, verify that all exterior lights, including the registration plate lamp and headlamps, are fully operational, and ensure the dashboard warning lights behave correctly upon ignition. Given the low annual mileage, I also recommend verifying the service history to ensure that oil and coolant changes have been performed on a calendar basis rather than strictly by mileage, as fluid degradation is a primary concern for vehicles that sit idle for extended periods.