2006 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · LT06 MVD

The Nissan Micra presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a fully clean MOT pass on 14 January 2026 at 67,294 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the 2025 test, where the tester flagged multiple suspension and steering advisories alongside perishing tyres on all four corners. The fact that those items were rectified before the most recent inspection suggests the previous owner addressed the deterioration rather than ignoring it. The vehicle is currently roadworthy on paper, but the history reveals a pattern of deferred consumable upkeep that a buyer should verify has been properly resolved. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2006 vehicle, averaging roughly 3,365 miles per year. The record shows a gap of approximately 6,751 miles between the January 2025 test at 60,543 miles and the January 2026 test at 67,294 miles, indicating a recent increase in annual usage after a period of lighter use. Prior to that, the car covered only 5,325 miles between January 2024 and January 2025, and just 3,527 miles between February 2023 and January 2024. Such low annual accumulation raises the possibility of long periods standing still, which can cause rubber components like tyres, bushes, and dust covers to perish from age rather than wear. The recurring advisories centre on front suspension and steering components, with the 2025 test recording worn suspension arm rear bushes on both fronts, deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers, and play in both front steering rack inner joints. The 2024 test also noted play in the steering rack inner joints, meaning that particular fault persisted for at least a year before being addressed. A buyer should inspect the steering rack inner joints for any residual play and check that the replacement suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links are seated correctly with no fresh movement. The nearside front tyre was flagged for cracking or perishing in 2024, and all four tyres received the same advisory in 2025, which points to age-related deterioration consistent with a car that sat unused for extended periods. Confirm the date codes on all four tyres and the spare to ensure they have been replaced with fresh rubber. The February 2023 failure for an exposed ply or cords on the offside front tyre is a serious defect that was promptly retested and passed three days later, indicating it was replaced quickly. However, a buyer should still inspect the inner sidewalls of all tyres carefully, as the history suggests the previous owner allowed tyres to degrade to the point of structural failure before acting. Given the low mileage and the age of the vehicle, also check for corrosion on the underside, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake components, as infrequent use on salted roads can accelerate hidden rust even when mileage remains low.