2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LS60 OLH

The most recent MOT test on 28 July 2026 resulted in a pass; however, this outcome must be viewed alongside the failures recorded immediately before it. On 24 July 2026 the vehicle failed on a major supplementary restraint system warning lamp indication and a seriously defective nearside headlamp lens, and a retest on 28 July passed once these items were rectified. Advisories on the latest pass include deterioration of both registration plates, a discoloured nearside rear direction indicator, and shallow sidewall cuts on both front tyres. The maintenance trend appears mixed. Earlier failures in June 2023 involved a fractured nearside front coil spring and a perished offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, while a failure in July 2024 related to incorrect colour front direction indicators. The 2025 test introduced advisories for a deteriorated constant velocity joint boot on the nearside front driveshaft and a damaged offside track rod end dust cover, followed in 2024 by slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. Taken together, the history suggests an ageing vehicle that is being maintained on a reactive basis rather than comprehensively, with recurring advisories relating to rubber boots, bushes, and protective covers across the suspension and drivetrain. The recorded mileage of 125,329 miles on a 16 year old vehicle equates to an average of approximately 7,833 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this age but sits at the lower end of the spectrum for high mileage town cars. There are no obvious extended gaps between recorded mileages across the consecutive MOT entries, suggesting the car has been in regular use throughout its life rather than left standing for prolonged periods. While lower annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox, and turbocharger if fitted, it does mean the vehicle has covered substantial cumulative distance over sixteen years, placing corresponding demand on suspension components, brake systems, engine mounts, and exhaust mounting rubbers. The MOT entries themselves do not include recorded mileages, so any sudden accumulations or anomalies in usage cannot be confirmed from the data alone. Buyers should pay particular attention to the suspension and steering components that have generated repeated advisories. The fractured front coil spring recorded in 2023 and the slight play noted in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint in 2024 suggest progressive wear in the front suspension geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, which would indicate worn bushes or deteriorating ball joints. Given the age, the nearside front coil spring should be inspected for any subsequent fracture on the offside, as coil springs often fail in pairs. The deteriorated constant velocity boot on the nearside front driveshaft, noted in 2025, is a critical item; on inspection the rubber should be checked for splits, grease loss around the joint, and any clicking noise on full lock manoeuvres which points to a failing CV joint. The damaged track rod end dust cover is similarly time-sensitive, as once dirt ingress is permitted the joint will wear rapidly and eventually require replacement. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile warrant several standard age related inspections. The front tyres exhibited shallow sidewall cuts in the most recent test; while not deep enough to fail, tyres of this age should be examined closely for perishing and cracking of the sidewall rubber, which can occur regardless of tread depth. Brake discs on a vehicle of this standing are likely to exhibit surface corrosion, particularly if the car has been used for short journeys, and calipers can bind through lack of use, so a rolling test should confirm smooth retardation without pulling or juddering. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault from the July 2026 failure should be thoroughly investigated; this could indicate a faulty airbag sensor, seatbelt pretensioner issue, or simply a depleted backup battery within the system, but it must be diagnosed and confirmed rectified before purchase. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be checked for condition and service interval compliance, as calendar aged fluids degrade regardless of mileage. Finally, verify the service book stamps to ensure routine cambelt or timing chain servicing, coolant changes, and spark plug renewals have been carried out at the manufacturer specified intervals, and inspect the underbody and wheel arches for the corrosion that commonly affects superminis of this vintage, particularly around suspension mounting points and sills.