2014 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · ML64 XMH

A pattern of chronic front suspension wear is the defining mechanical story of this 2014 Nissan Micra. Across the two most recent MOT tests, dated 30 September 2025 and 21 October 2024, the vehicle passed but carried identical advisories on both the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, flagged as worn though not yet resulting in excessive movement. The repetition of these advisories over consecutive years strongly suggests a progressive deterioration of the front lower suspension linkage, a known weakness on Micras of this generation, rather than an isolated observation. The earlier record shows a clean and largely uneventful roadworthiness history, with passes recorded in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018, though a 2023 advisory noted slight cracking or perishing on the nearside rear tyre, and a 2021 advisory flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit on their edges. The emergence of the suspension advisories as a recurring theme in the more recent tests is the principal mechanical concern a buyer should weigh against the otherwise stable MOT trajectory. With 28,216 miles recorded over twelve years, this Micra has covered roughly 2,351 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate that points to either genuinely light usage or extended periods of standing. There are no gaps in the annual testing history, with a test recorded every year from 2018 through 2025, so there is no evidence of the vehicle being off the road or unroadworthy. Low mileage in this context means that major drivetrain components such as the engine, manual transmission, and clutch are likely to have experienced minimal mechanical fatigue. However, it also raises the possibility of age-related degradation in items that deteriorate through inactivity rather than use, particularly rubber components, braking surfaces that can suffer from corrosion when seldom applied, and seals and gaiters that may perish over time. The mileage progression between tests should be checked for any unusually large jumps, but the record itself does not flag any mileage discrepancies. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front suspension, given the repeated advisories on both sides. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, particularly over pothole edges. On turning, pay attention to any vagueness in steering response or a feeling of looseness through the wheel, which can indicate that the worn bushes have progressed to allowing measurable movement. Visually inspect the front suspension arms and their bushes for cracking, splitting, or visible play by rocking the wheels with the car raised. Also check that the front tyres are wearing evenly across both shoulders, as worn suspension bushes commonly produce uneven or feathered tyre wear, which would be consistent with the 2021 advisory that flagged edge wear on both fronts. Beyond the suspension, the rear tyres should be inspected for any perishing or cracking in the sidewalls, consistent with the 2023 advisory, and a careful check made of the rear brake components given the low-mileage profile and the potential for corrosion on rarely-used brake surfaces. Given the age and the low recorded mileage, a thorough inspection should also include a road test that specifically evaluates braking performance from the first application, as seized or binding calipers and corroded brake discs are common findings on cars that have seen limited use. Listen for any scraping, grinding, or pulsing through the brake pedal, and verify that the handbrake holds effectively on an incline, as the rear drum or caliper mechanism may have corroded from disuse. Under the bonnet, check for any signs of oil misting or weeping from the cam cover gasket and look at the condition of the coolant and brake fluid reservoirs, as these are service items that age regardless of mileage covered. Finally, the exhaust system should be physically inspected for corrosion, particularly at the mounting points and joints, as twelve years of exposure can degrade even a relatively low-mileage exhaust. Taken together, the MOT record presents a vehicle with a clean pass history but a clearly developing front suspension issue that warrants close physical examination and likely budgetary provision for replacement bushes or arms in the near term.