2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LS58 YDN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing a consistent run of clean passes stretching back through the 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 tests. Across five consecutive examinations there is not a single recorded advisory, failure item, or component flagged as approaching the legal limits, which strongly suggests that the car has been maintained to a satisfactory standard throughout this period. Such an unbroken clean sheet on a vehicle of this age is a favourable indicator and points to either diligent preventative servicing or genuinely light usage, although it is worth noting that the MOT is a minimum roadworthiness standard rather than a full mechanical health check, so absence of advisories does not equate to a verified mechanical inspection of all major assemblies. With 72,540 miles recorded over approximately 18 years, this Nissan Micra has covered an average of around 4,030 miles per year, which is well below the typical annual mileage for a city car of this type. Such low usage is mechanically a double-edged consideration: the engine, clutch, gearbox, and drivetrain components have experienced far less cumulative wear than the odometer reading alone might suggest, but prolonged standing periods introduce their own specific concerns. Vehicles used intermittently are prone to moisture accumulation in the engine oil, brake fluid degradation through absorption of water over calendar time rather than mileage, and corrosion of brake discs and callipers due to lack of regular use washing the surfaces clean. The MOT gap pattern also appears regular, with annual tests performed around the same time each year, suggesting the car has been maintained in a roadworthy condition continuously even if driven sparingly. For a prospective buyer, the practical inspection priorities should focus on age-related deterioration rather than mileage-related wear. Tyres on a car of this vintage are particularly susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking from ultraviolet exposure and ozone damage, even when the tread depth remains legal; inspect the sidewalls closely for hairline cracks and check the production date code on the sidewall, as tyres older than around six years from the date of manufacture should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. Brake discs that have corroded excessively from infrequent use can present with juddering under braking, while binding front callipers are common on lightly driven cars and may manifest as uneven pad wear, a pulling sensation to one side under braking, or wheels running noticeably hotter than the opposite side after a short drive. The 12V battery is also highly likely to be approaching the end of its useful life given the calendar age, and a load test or voltage check under load is advisable before purchase, as a marginal battery will produce starting difficulties and may indicate an alternator not maintaining proper charge. Beyond these standing-related concerns, the buyer should verify the documented service history stamps in the service book to confirm that engine oil and filter changes, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil have been renewed at appropriate calendar intervals rather than purely mileage-based ones. Given the low annual mileage, time-based fluid servicing is arguably more important than on a high-use car, as brake fluid in particular absorbs moisture over time and should typically be renewed every two to three years irrespective of mileage. Inspect the exhaust system for external corrosion around the box sections, mounting rubbers, and rear silencer, as a Micra of this age often shows significant surface rust in these areas even when structurally sound. Finally, listen on the test drive for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, and verify that the steering remains precise without excessive play, as these components suffer from age-related perishing and wear regardless of the modest mileage recorded.