2005 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LS05 AWJ

The most recent DVSA test on 5 April 2024 recorded a PASS, but it was preceded by a failure for an insufficient windscreen‑washer fluid supply and a number of advisories that persisted from the earlier inspection on the same day. The vehicle has therefore met the legal requirement to be road‑worthy, yet the presence of multiple advisories – front registration‑plate mounting, wheel distortion, tow‑bar corrosion and a faulty washer system – indicates that the maintenance picture is beginning to deteriorate after a long period of clean results. Between 2018 and 2021 the MOTs were free of defects, but the 2023 and 2024 reports show a growing list of minor issues that should be addressed promptly to avoid escalation. At 101 997 miles recorded for a 2005 model the average annual distance is roughly 4 850 miles, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per year. Such low mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage for ageing components. The limited wear on the power‑train may mean the engine and transmission have been lightly exercised, but the prolonged idle periods can accelerate rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of metal parts, especially in a vehicle that has been standing for years between trips. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front registration‑plate mounting – ensure the plate is firmly secured and the retaining brackets are not cracked or rusted. Examine both front wheels for the reported slight distortion; spin them by hand and listen for wobble or vibration, and check that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking, perishing or bulging, especially on the front tyres flagged in 2023. The off‑side front lower suspension arm pin or bush was noted as worn, so a push‑down test on each corner should reveal any excessive play, clunking or uneven rebound, which would suggest the bushings need replacement. Verify that the windscreen‑washer system now supplies adequate fluid and that the nozzle spray pattern is even, and confirm the nearside rear reversing lamp operates correctly. Finally, inspect the tow‑bar assembly for surface rust, pitting or compromised welds, as corrosion can weaken its structural integrity and render it unsafe for towing. Beyond the specific MOT items, a vehicle of this age and usage profile warrants a thorough age‑related check. Inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth below 1.6 mm or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment; examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazed pads that may cause shudder under braking. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and, if possible, perform a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods often lose capacity. Drain and replace the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid if service records are absent, because fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven. Look for rust on the chassis, suspension components and exhaust system, particularly in the wheel arches and under the vehicle, and ensure that all suspension bushes, ball joints and tie‑rod ends are free of corrosion and excessive play. Addressing these points will give a prospective buyer a realistic view of the car’s current condition and the likely maintenance required to keep it reliable and safe.