2009 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LR59 TPV

The most recent DVSA examination for this 2009 Nissan Micra was conducted on 18 August 2025, where the vehicle achieved a Pass certificate with no defects or advisories recorded against it. Prior to that, an earlier test on the same date resulted in a Fail, although no specific defect categories were logged in the supplied history, which suggests the failure may have been an administrative or classification matter rather than a mechanical rectification. Looking back through the recorded tests, the vehicle has returned clean Pass results on 14 August 2024, 2 August 2023, and 15 August 2022, indicating a broadly stable and consistent maintenance pattern with no recurring advisories or persistent failure points logged over the last four test cycles. There is no evidence of worsening structural corrosion, suspension deterioration, or braking system decline within the DVSA records. With a recorded mileage of 97,579 miles over approximately seventeen years, this Micra is doing roughly 5,740 miles annually, which is considerably below the national average and firmly in low-use territory. Such low annual mileage often points to a vehicle that has either been used primarily for short urban journeys or has experienced extended periods of standing, possibly due to a second-car status, a retired owner, or lockdown-era inactivity. Mechanically, low mileage can be a mixed blessing; whilst major drivetrain components such as the engine, manual transmission, and clutch may show relatively little wear, calendar age takes its toll on items that degrade with time rather than use, meaning rubber, seals, fluids, and electrical components can still require attention regardless of the odometer reading. Given the absence of recorded advisories and the very low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should approach this Micra with a particular focus on age-related deterioration rather than wear-and-tear concerns. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden with age and MOT testing only checks tread depth and structural integrity, not the condition of the rubber itself. Equally important is a thorough inspection of the brake discs, which may exhibit surface corrosion and pitting from standing, and the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism, which can seize through disuse, producing a dragging sensation or pulling to one side under braking. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer and underfloor sections, should be examined for rust perforation, and the 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as units over five years old frequently fail without warning despite holding surface charge. The cooling system, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be regarded as time-serviced items, typically requiring replacement every two to three years irrespective of mileage, so verifying the service history stamps and fluid condition is strongly advised. On a test drive, listen carefully for suspension clonks or knocking over uneven road surfaces, which may indicate perished bushes or worn top mount bearings common on higher-mileage Micras, and pay attention to any uneven tyre wear that might suggest tracking or suspension geometry issues. Check that the clutch bite point is firm and not excessively high, and ensure the engine starts promptly from cold without hesitation, as low-use vehicles can suffer from oil dilution or a failing crankcase ventilation valve. Inspect under the bonnet for signs of fluid leaks from the cam cover gasket, which is a known weakness on this engine family, and confirm that the air conditioning system blows cold, as prolonged disuse of the compressor can lead to seal drying and refrigerant loss. With diligent physical checks and a clear understanding of the calendar-related risks associated with low-mileage ownership, this Micra represents a reasonable proposition provided the age-sensitive items are addressed.