2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LS60 GXM

The most recent MOT test on 18 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but it was preceded only two days earlier by a failed test that flagged several serious items, including dangerously low tread depth on both front tyres, an inoperative engine management indicator lamp (MIL), an extinguished offside front position lamp, and an insufficient windscreen washer supply. These are not minor oversights; the dangerous tyre defect in particular suggests the vehicle may have been driven immediately prior to the test with tyres below the legal 1.6 mm limit, which is a serious roadworthiness concern and would warrant confirming the date codes and condition of any replacement tyres fitted since. Looking at the broader pattern across the last five tests, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable. A clean pass in 2021 and 2022 was followed by progressively accumulating advisories on front brake discs and pads in 2024, anti-roll bar linkage damage in 2023, a fractured offside front coil spring in 2025, and most recently an exhaust gas leak and a noisy rear wheel bearing. The recurrence of front suspension and braking component wear, combined with the failed items, indicates that the front-end consumables and structural components are being neglected or are reaching the end of their effective service life. Recorded mileage of 119,469 miles over sixteen years equates to an average of roughly 7,467 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent, ordinary use rather than the extremes of very low or unusually high mileage. There are no obvious anomalous gaps or sudden spikes in the mileage sequence visible from the MOT records, which is helpful because it reduces the likelihood of long standing periods that can accelerate corrosion on brake discs, caliper sliders, and underbody components. However, at this cumulative mileage, the wear items flagged in the advisories are entirely consistent with what one would expect from a Nissan Micra that has covered nearly 120,000 miles, particularly in terms of front suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar linkages, brake discs, and wheel bearings. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front-end advisories and the recent coil spring failure mean that a careful physical inspection and test drive are essential. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over bumps and on full lock, as broken coil spring fragments can migrate and damage tyres or inner wing panels; uneven or inside-edge tyre wear would indicate worn bushes or alignment issues, and a vibration through the steering wheel or a grinding sensation under braking would suggest the pitted front discs and thin offside pads noted in 2024 have progressed further. The advisory on the nearside rear wheel bearing warrants specific attention during the test drive; with the vehicle at low speed in a quiet area, listen for a humming or rumbling noise that changes with cornering load, as a failing bearing will typically alter in pitch when turning. The exhaust leak advisory should be inspected underneath the vehicle for black soot deposits, hissing at idle, and any obvious joint or pipe corrosion, as exhaust gases entering the cabin can also indicate failing manifold or downpipe gaskets that are common on higher-mileage Micras. Also confirm that the MIL lamp illuminates with the ignition and extinguishes at start-up, as a continuously lit or non-functioning lamp indicates an active or stored engine management fault that should be diagnosed with a code reader before purchase. Given the age and mileage, even beyond the items raised in the MOT history, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should cover several age- and time-related service items. Tyres should be checked for sidewall perishing and cracking due to age regardless of remaining tread, as rubber compounds degrade over time; the 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, particularly as the original unit will almost certainly have been replaced once already and is again due for renewal. Brake caliper sliders and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizure from infrequent use, especially given the rear wheel bearing advisory, and the brake fluid should be assessed for moisture content as it absorbs water over time and is typically renewed every two years. The cooling system hoses, cam belt or chain service interval confirmation, and a check for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and sump should all be carried out, as these are common at this mileage on the Micra platform. Finally, verify that the service book has been stamped at the correct intervals and that any advisory repairs flagged at the most recent test have actually been completed with receipts, as the two-day gap between the failed and passed tests in July 2026 suggests remedial work was carried out at the last minute and merits close scrutiny.