2002 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · LW02 ABX

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address developing mechanical wear. While the Micra passed its October 2025 test at 43,833 miles, the tester again flagged play in both front suspension arm ball joints and continued seepage from the power steering component. These issues have appeared in almost every test record since 2022, indicating that the owner is opting for the minimum legal repairs rather than replacing failing components proactively. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,800 miles per year. Between November 2022 at 36,929 miles and October 2025 at 43,833 miles, the car covered only 6,904 miles. This low usage rate explains the perishing of rubber-based components, as seen in the November 2023 failure involving a nearside rear tyre with exposed cords and ineffective wiper blades, which degrade due to age and environmental exposure rather than mechanical friction. A buyer must inspect the entire front suspension assembly closely, as the recurring play in the ball joints has persisted for three years and suggests the steering geometry is nearing a point of significant failure. The power steering seepage is also a chronic issue since 2022 that will eventually lead to a costly replacement of the steering rack or pump. Given the low mileage, the buyer should also specifically check for dry rot in the tyre sidewalls and rubber bushings, as the historical data confirms the vehicle suffers from degradation while sitting for long periods.