2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LP59 HJF

A persistent pattern of brake component wear advisories, tyre deterioration, and a recurring engine oil leak defines the mechanical history of this 2010 Nissan Micra, with each of the last three test cycles producing multiple advisory items rather than a clean sheet. The most recent MOT on 10 February 2026 was a pass with no defects recorded, which interrupts but does not erase the recent trend, as the 2025 and 2024 tests both flagged front brake pads and discs wearing, slight oil leakage, and tyre perishing. The single failure on 7 February 2024 was caused by both front wiper blades failing to clear the windscreen effectively, a relatively minor presentation issue that was remedied the same day under a retest that carried forward the same advisory list. Across eight recorded tests the vehicle has only failed once, but the clustering of brake, tyre, and oil-seal advisories in consecutive years points to components reaching the later stages of their service life rather than isolated one-off observations. The recorded mileage of 27,311 miles over sixteen years equates to an average of roughly 1,700 miles per year, which is well below the typical accumulation rate for a city-focused hatchback of this class. This low annual figure is reflected in the steady, low-increment mileage progression between tests, with no evidence of rapid jumps that would suggest long-distance commuting or heavy use. Such low mileage can reduce wear on high-mileage components like the clutch, gearbox, and drivetrain, but it also raises the likelihood of issues associated with light or intermittent use, including dried brake fluid, seized caliper slide pins, perished rubber boots and seals, and undertray corrosion from road salt and moisture sitting on the underside during periods of inactivity. The oil leak advisories observed in both 2024 and 2025 are consistent with hardened gaskets and seals weeping as a consequence of infrequent running rather than high-load wear. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to inspect on a physical viewing are the front brake discs and pads, which have been flagged as wearing on two consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding noise under light braking, feel for pedal pulsation or vibration through the pedal that suggests disc lipping or runout, and check that the vehicle pulls up squarely without dragging to either side, which can indicate a binding caliper or a seized slider. Inspect the inner and outer faces of both front discs for a pronounced raised lip at the outer edge and confirm the pad material visible through the caliper aperture has at least a few millimetres of friction material remaining. The engine oil leak should be checked by examining the underside of the engine, the sump area, and the valve cover gasket for fresh seepage, and on the test drive the exhaust should be observed at idle for any visible vapour or drip that could suggest a worsening seal failure rather than the slight seepage previously recorded. Tyre condition has been a recurring advisory theme, with all four tyres flagged in 2024 for perishing close to the wear indicators, and the nearside front and rear tyres noted as worn close to the legal limit in 2022. A buyer should check the current tread depth across the full width of each tyre, look closely at the sidewalls and tread face for any cracking, splitting, or crazing in the rubber compound, and confirm the manufacturing date by inspecting the DOT stamp, as tyres over six years old can deteriorate regardless of remaining tread. The wiper linkage and motor, although replaced following the 2024 failure, should still be operated to confirm both blades park correctly and clear the screen without smearing. Given the low annual mileage, it is also worth asking for evidence of regular fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and coolant, and for any history of the vehicle being stored or unused for extended periods, as hoses, drive belts, and battery condition can all deteriorate during long lay-ups.