2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · ML10 UBJ

A clear pattern of front suspension weakness has emerged across the most recent MOT history of this 2010 Nissan Micra, with both nearside and offside front coil springs fracturing on consecutive annual tests. The 2025 test recorded an offside front coil spring fracture, and the 2026 retest identified a nearside front coil spring failure, both categorised as Major defects under section 5.3.1 (b) (i). Although the most recent assessment on 12 May 2026 ultimately resulted in a Pass with no defects recorded, this followed immediately after the failure entry on the same date, indicating the vehicle was repaired and presented for retest the same day. Two fractured coil springs in successive years, on opposite sides of the front axle, points to systemic wear of the front suspension struts rather than an isolated breakage, and the replacement components fitted during the 2026 repair will not yet have a proven track record under MOT scrutiny. Buyers should treat the front spring assemblies as a known weakness requiring careful inspection. Annual mileage over the sixteen year life of this Micra averages roughly 952 miles, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age and suggests significant periods of either very light use or extended standing. There are no large gaps between test dates in the supplied record, with annual entries from 2021 through 2026, indicating the car has been presented regularly despite the modest accumulation of miles. Low annual usage of this nature places particular stress on rubber components, brake calipers, flexible brake hoses, suspension bushes, and the 12V battery, all of which can deteriorate from lack of use as readily as from wear. Recorded mileage progression between the documented tests is consistent with the stated figure and shows no suspicious jumps, but the cumulative effect of nearly a decade and a half of light use on perishable rubber and braking components should be a central concern during any inspection. The advisories recorded on the 2021, 2022, and 2024 tests all relate to tyre ageing, with the 2024 entry noting that all four tyres were over ten years old, alongside cracking and perishing on three of the four fitments. Tyres fitted to a vehicle of this age that were manufactured in 2010 represent a serious safety concern regardless of tread depth, and a prospective buyer must verify that the current set is of recent manufacture and free from sidewall cracking. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, as both fractured and weakened coil springs can produce audible impact noises before a complete failure occurs. Any deterioration in ride quality, excessive body roll through corners, or a feeling that the front end is bottoming out would warrant immediate suspension investigation. Given the dual coil spring failures, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the front strut top mounts, shock absorber cartridges, and suspension bushes, as neighbouring components often suffer secondary damage when a spring fractures. A knocking that intensifies over uneven ground, uneven tyre wear across an axle, or visible sag at one corner when parked level are all indicators that further front suspension work may be required beyond what was replaced at the recent test. The brake system, untouched in the advisory record, should still be checked thoroughly because prolonged standing can cause caliper slide pins to seize and brake discs to corrode on the inner face, producing judder under pedal pressure. A thorough road test should include firm braking from around 40 mph to confirm straight-line stability and pedal feel, along with low-speed manoeuvres to detect any steering pull that could indicate binding front calipers or worn suspension geometry.