2018 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · MH18 XRT

The vehicle presented a Pass at its most recent DVSA examination on 28 August 2026, accompanied only by a single advisory concerning nearside front tyre wear approaching the legal limit and presenting with edge wear. Evaluating the broader five-year MOT trajectory, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable with minor and recurring concerns rather than escalating or worsening faults. The 2023 test cycle did include a failure, but this was attributable solely to a missing nearside front road wheel fixing rather than any structural or systemic mechanical deterioration, and it was rectified promptly. The repeated advisory relating to offside front shock absorber oil misting across the 2022, 2023, and 2023 follow-up tests is the most notable recurring theme and warrants careful buyer attention, though the vehicle has continued to pass consistently without progression to a defined defect or failure point. Tyre-related advisories appear periodically at both front and rear axles, suggesting attentive but ongoing monitoring of rubber condition rather than any fundamental chassis misalignment. With 62,198 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Nissan Micra averages around 7,775 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and class and indicates a vehicle that has been in consistent, moderate use rather than left idle for prolonged periods or subjected to exceptionally high motorway mileage. This usage profile is generally favourable for component longevity, particularly with regard to brake discs and calipers which can suffer from corrosion and binding when a vehicle stands unused, as well as for the 12V battery which degrades through discharge cycles. The absence of any extended mileage gaps in the recorded history suggests regular operation, which supports healthier lubricant circulation through the engine and gearbox, although consumable wear on suspension components and tyres remains proportionate to the mileage accumulated. No rapid mileage escalation or anomalous drops are evident that might raise concerns about clock irregularities or fleet usage patterns. For a prospective buyer, the most significant item requiring physical inspection and test drive verification is the offside front shock absorber condition given the repeated oil misting advisories since 2022. Light misting has not yet progressed to a defined failure under the MOT inspection manual, but it indicates degraded internal sealing and a likely accumulating leak rate, which over time will compromise damping performance. On a test drive, listen for audible clonks or knocks from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, rough surfaces, or undulating roads, and pay particular attention to any excessive nose-dive under braking or prolonged oscillation after cornering or passing over bumps. Also visually inspect the offside front shock absorber body for fresh oil residue, wetness below the unit, or contamination of the surrounding coil spring, and check that the front tyres wear evenly across their shoulders, as a weakening damper frequently produces cupping or uneven shoulder wear. Given the persistence of the advisory across multiple tests, budgeting for replacement within the next twelve to twenty-four months would be prudent. Beyond the shock absorber history, a buyer should undertake a thorough age-and-mileage-appropriate inspection. Tyre condition warrants particular focus: the recent advisory on nearside front edge wear combined with historical advisories on both rear tyres for perishing and damage suggests that age-related sidewall cracking should be examined carefully, even on tyres with apparently adequate tread depth, as an eight-year-old vehicle will often be running on rubber that is approaching the end of its service life regardless of wear. Brake discs should be checked for lipping, corrosion pitting, or binding calipers, particularly given the relatively modest annual mileage which can allow surface corrosion to accumulate. The 12V battery health and state of charge should be verified, as should the age and condition of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, all of which degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage and would benefit from documented servicing evidence. Finally, confirm that the missing wheel fixing noted at the 2023 failure was correctly refitted and that all subsequent wheel changes have been performed with appropriate torque, as a missing wheel stud represents a serious safety concern that must be conclusively ruled out before purchase.