2003 Nissan Almera 1.8L Petrol · ML03 UKP

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status but the maintenance history shows a trend of worsening mechanical neglect in more recent years. While the car passed its July 2022 test at 133,132 miles, the record reveals multiple developing faults that were absent in the 2020 inspection. The appearance of binding rear brakes, oil leaks, and corroded suspension components indicates that the vehicle has moved from a period of good condition into one of reactive maintenance as it ages. At 133,132 miles over 23 years, the Almera has averaged approximately 5,788 miles per year. This low annual usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to inactivity rather than wear. Between July 2019 and July 2022, the car covered only 16,429 miles, yet the number of advisories increased significantly. The gap in the 2020 failure regarding an inoperative engine management light suggests the previous owner may have neglected electronic diagnostic checks, which correlates with the subsequent mechanical failures. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the offside front coil spring, which showed signs of corrosion in both 2021 and 2022. The recurring rear brake binding requires a physical check of the calipers and sliding pins to ensure they are not seized. Furthermore, the persistent oil leak noted in 2022 needs to be identified to determine if it is a minor valve cover gasket or a more significant seal failure. Given the age of the vehicle and the previously perished tyre noted in 2022, all perished hoses and rubber bushings should be checked for dry rot regardless of the low mileage.