2004 Nissan Micra 1.4L Petrol · LT54 LSN

A recurring theme in the MOT record is the nearside rear wheel bearing, which triggered major failures in both the 2024‑08‑08 and 2025‑09‑05 tests; the most recent pass in September 2025 still carries an advisory for a slightly distorted nearside front wheel, indicating that while the bearing issue appears to have been addressed, the wheel assembly remains a focal point for potential trouble. At 84,885 mi the car averages just under 4,000 mi per year, a figure well below the typical annual run‑off for a 2004 model. Such low utilisation often points to extended periods of limited use, which can be gentle on engine and drivetrain wear but may accelerate rubber ageing and promote corrosion in suspension joints and bearings that are not regularly exercised. When you inspect the vehicle, concentrate on the nearside rear hub: rotate the wheel by hand to feel for any roughness or grinding, and during a road test listen for a low‑frequency hum or feel for vibration that intensifies with speed. Examine the nearside rear tyre for the cracking or perishing noted in 2024, checking the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or uneven wear, and repeat the same visual check on the offside rear tyre that was flagged as close to the legal limit in 2023. The front wheel advisory also warrants a visual inspection for bent rims or impact damage, and a quick spin test to confirm there is no wobble. Given the bearing history and tyre condition notes, a comprehensive pre‑purchase check should include a bearing load test, a thorough inspection of suspension bushes and steering linkages for any play or corrosion, and a brake system review even though no faults were recorded. Confirm that the wheel bearings are quiet under load, that the tyres are free of dry‑rot and have sufficient tread depth, and that there is no hidden rust on the subframe or mounting points that could compromise structural integrity.