2014 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LS14 KTG

This twelve-year-old Nissan Micra presents a commendably clean roadworthiness record across the documented testing history, with no advisories or defects recorded on any of the inspections between 2022 and 2025. The most recent test on 22 April 2025 returned a pass with no defects noted, the same outcome as the previous three annual tests in April 2022, April 2023, and April 2024. Curiously, a separate test entry for the same date in April 2025 also shows a failure, but with no defects recorded against it; this is likely an administrative duplicate or retest entry rather than a mechanical concern, as the contemporaneous pass stands as the valid outcome. The absence of any recurring advisories for components typical of an ageing Micra, such as front suspension wishbones, rear brake drum components, exhaust mounting rubbers, or underbody corrosion, suggests the vehicle has not yet developed the wear patterns commonly seen at this age. This consistency across four consecutive tests provides a reasonable degree of confidence in the structural and mechanical condition of the car as presented at its last inspection. The recorded mileage of 38,917 miles against a twelve-year vehicle age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,243 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage and considerably below the typical average for urban superminis of this era. This usage profile suggests the vehicle has spent significant time either parked, used only for short local trips, or perhaps laid up for extended periods, as is common with second or third-car household vehicles. Mechanically, such low mileage can be a mixed blessing; while the engine, transmission, and drivetrain have experienced minimal wear from sustained running, prolonged standing can accelerate degradation of rubber components including coolant hoses, drive belts, suspension bushes, and tyre sidewalls through dry-rotting and ozone exposure. Brake discs and calipers are also susceptible to corrosion and seizure when used infrequently, particularly given the Micra's drum rear brake configuration. The annual testing pattern, however, indicates the car has been used consistently enough to remain in active road-licensed status, which reduces but does not eliminate the standing-still risks. Given the clean advisory history, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the components most likely to suffer from age rather than mileage in this application. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough surfaces, which would suggest worn lower wishbone bushes or ball joints developing play after years of minor urban impacts. Pay particular attention to the steering feel; any vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or uneven self-centring could indicate tired tie rod ends or front suspension geometry issues that have not yet manifested as an MOT failure. The braking system should feel firm and progressive, with the handbrake holding the car on a moderate slope without excessive travel, as rear drum brake adjusters on low-mileage cars can seize from lack of use. Additionally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches carefully for any surface corrosion or underseal deterioration, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points, sill seams, and suspension strut towers, as a twelve-year-old Micra will inevitably have accumulated some surface oxidation even without it being flagged at test time. Check all fluid levels and condition, paying close attention to the coolant, as low-mileage cars with infrequent coolant changes are prone to internal corrosion within the radiator and heater matrix. Verify that the tyres are of matching age codes and show no signs of sidewall cracking from age, as rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth. Finally, confirm that the vehicle starts promptly from cold without excessive smoke, and that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping, as these fundamental checks will reveal any issues arising from the unusual low-mileage usage pattern that the otherwise unblemished MOT history cannot detect.