2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · NA04 TEV

Progressive corrosion of the vehicle’s structural members is the dominant theme in the MOT record, culminating in a major failure in March 2023 when excessive rust on the nearside rear inner and outer chassis was deemed to seriously affect strength. Earlier, a 2019 failure highlighted a dangerous front‑tyre tear and an excessively worn off‑side front suspension arm pin, while subsequent years have shown only advisory notes on tyre wear and further mild sill corrosion. The most recent test in March 2024 passed, but the nearside front tyre was again flagged as being close to the legal limit, indicating that the corrosion and tyre‑related issues have persisted rather than resolved. At 74,252 mi after 22 years the annual mileage averages roughly 3,400 mi, well below the typical usage for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited running or storage, which can accelerate moisture‑induced rust on body panels and chassis sections – a pattern reflected in the repeated sill‑corrosion advisories. The consistent yearly MOTs show no gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly tested, but the modest mileage does not mitigate the structural wear evident in the records. When inspecting the car, focus first on the areas flagged for corrosion: examine the nearside rear and off‑side sills, inner chassis rails and any visible mounting points for flaking, pitting or perforation. On a test drive, listen for creaking or flexing noises when applying steering input or negotiating bumps, and feel for any looseness in the bodywork. The front‑tyre on the nearside is repeatedly reported as near the legal tread limit, so verify tread depth across the tyre surface, check for sidewall cracks, bulges or edge wear, and confirm that the rear tyres are free from the cracking noted in 2019. The off‑side front suspension arm pin and bush, flagged as excessively worn in 2019, should be checked for play by pushing the wheel inward and outward and listening for clunks; uneven tyre wear or a knocking sensation over road imperfections would corroborate lingering wear. Finally, the brake‑pipe corrosion noted in 2021 warrants a close visual inspection of the brake hoses and pipework for rust, cracking or grease deposits, and a functional brake‑pedal test for any sponginess or loss of pressure. Given the combination of structural rust, tyre wear and prior suspension and brake‑line concerns, a prospective buyer should budget for possible chassis reinforcement or panel replacement, a full tyre set and suspension refurbishment, and replacement of the brake pipe. A comprehensive pre‑purchase examination by a qualified mechanic, concentrating on the identified corrosion zones, suspension bushings, brake lines and tyre condition, will be essential to confirm the car’s roadworthiness before committing to purchase.