2006 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · NG56 AEZ

The vehicle achieved a pass at the 30 August 2025 test (143 146 mi) but carries advisories for front steering rack free play, front tyre cracking and a cut rear tyre. This follows a failure just nine days earlier that flagged excessive play in the track‑rod ends, steering rack inner joints, fluctuating rear brakes, worn rear tyres, and a slight rear‑wheel‑bearing play. The recent pass indicates repairs were undertaken, yet the persistence of steering and suspension advisories shows the maintenance trend is stabilising rather than improving. Overall roadworthiness is acceptable for the time being, but the history of failures and the current advisories suggest the car is not in a fully healthy condition. Mileage accumulation has been steady at roughly 7 150 mi per year since 2006, reaching 143 146 mi by the latest MOT. The test schedule remains annual with no gaps, and the most recent inspection was only about eleven months before the present date, so the MOT record is relatively current. The vehicle’s mileage profile is typical for its age, indicating normal usage rather than extreme neglect or unusually low wear. A prospective buyer should inspect the steering system for excessive play at the rack and track‑rod ends, examine suspension bushes on the front lower arms for wear, and check both front and rear wheel bearings for any rattle. Tyre condition is critical – look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts and ensure tread depths meet the 1.6 mm legal minimum, especially on the rear tyres. Brake performance should be tested for pulsation or fluctuation, and the rear service brake monitored for consistency. Lighting faults are common; verify headlamp aim, lens clarity, position and stop lamps, and direction‑indicator colour. Interior mechanisms deserve attention – test seat securing, door latch operation, mirror fixation, and the hand‑brake lever height. Finally, inspect the exhaust for corrosion and the rear tailgate latch, as these items have been repeatedly flagged in the record.