2008 Nissan Micra 1.6L Petrol · NH08 HUK

The 2008 Nissan Micra’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-24 —just five months since its last assessment—shows a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle passed on 2025-12-16 at 117,446 miles but was immediately retested and failed again at the same mileage, a duplication suggesting either a procedural error or a critical oversight in the initial inspection. The previous cycle in 2024 also ended in two failed tests at 114,633 and 114,032 miles, with no defects logged, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated faults. This inconsistency raises doubts about the vehicle’s true roadworthiness, particularly if the failures stemmed from undocumented issues like binding brakes, suspension wear, or exhaust leaks that slipped through testing. The recorded mileage of 117,446 miles over 18 years averages 6,525 miles per year , a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for this age. There are no obvious gaps in service intervals, though the lack of pre-MOT maintenance records means we cannot confirm whether critical components—such as suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers—were serviced between tests. The abrupt retesting at identical mileages in both 2024 and 2025 suggests either repeated attempts to pass without addressing underlying problems or a test centre’s failure to identify recurring faults. The absence of advisories in any test further complicates assessment, as this could imply either diligent upkeep or a tester’s reluctance to flag non-critical wear. Given this history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system , particularly the rear bushes and coil springs , which often fail silently and are prone to corrosion at this age. The rear brakes warrant close examination for binding calipers or uneven wear, as repeated failures typically point to either hydraulic issues or seized components. Structural corrosion should be checked at the sills, wheel arches, and subframe , especially if the vehicle has seen wet or salted roads. The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or rust-through, as these are common causes of MOT failures that may not always be immediately visible. Given the pattern of retests, a pre-purchase diagnostic focusing on these areas is essential to avoid inheriting a vehicle with hidden mechanical weaknesses.