2009 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · NK59 FFG

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 29 January 2026, but only after a failure earlier the same day on three Major defects: a non-functioning nearside front position lamp, a nearside headlamp aim set too high, and an offside front suspension arm ball joint recorded as excessively worn. This is the second consecutive test cycle where Major category failures have appeared, with the January 2025 test also failing on an airbag/SRS warning lamp fault and an offside headlamp aim projection issue. The recurring presence of Major defects relating to suspension wear and headlamp alignment, combined with a growing accumulation of advisories, suggests a maintenance trend that is broadly stable on the roadworthiness threshold but with underlying deterioration in several chassis and lighting areas. Any prospective purchaser should treat the pattern as indicative of an ageing vehicle requiring near-term attention rather than a mechanically sound example. Recorded mileage of 192,240 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an average of around 11,300 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this era and consistent with regular commuter or mixed-use driving. There are no obvious extended standing periods in the record, which is favourable in terms of avoiding issues such as seized brake calipers, perished tyres, or flat-spotted battery drain, although the consistently high annual mileage does place greater demand on consumable components. Conversely, the high odometer reading means wear-related items such as clutch, gearbox mounts, engine oil consumption, exhaust system components, and drivetrain bearings will have accrued substantial use. The mileage is high but not disproportionate for the vehicle class and age, and the MOT history confirms the car has been in active service throughout its life. The offside front suspension arm ball joint is the most pressing mechanical concern, having been recorded with slight play in January 2025 and progressing to an excessively worn Major failure by January 2026. This item was evidently rectified between the failed and pass entries on the same day, but the rate of deterioration within a twelve-month period indicates the wider front suspension should be closely inspected. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven or feathered front tyre wear suggesting geometry disturbance, and vagueness or wander through the steering. The nearside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush, also noted as worn in the latest test, should be checked for similar deterioration. The offside rear coil spring, recorded as corroded in both 2024 and 2025, and the corroded front sub-frame should be physically examined for any progression towards structural weakening, particularly around mounting points and suspension attachment areas. The nearside rear wheel bearing described as slightly noisy in the latest test warrants a road test in a quiet environment to confirm whether the noise has progressed, as rear wheel bearings on high-mileage Micras can deteriorate into a noticeable hum that changes with vehicle speed. The persistent oil leak, noted as not excessive across multiple tests, should be inspected from underneath to determine its source, whether from the sump, cam cover gasket, or valve cover, as prolonged leakage can accelerate ancillary component wear and mask other underbonnet issues. Brake-related advisories indicating fluctuating nearside front service bind and the general condition of the braking system should be confirmed by a firm pedal test and a check for pulling under braking. With such high mileage, the buyer should also verify the timing chain or belt service interval compliance, inspect the condition of the coolant and its replacement history, and confirm the 12V battery health given calendar ageing. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing cracks typical of older rubber, the exhaust mounting defect flagged in the latest test should be checked for security, and any illuminated dashboard warning lamps, particularly the SRS system previously flagged, should be interrogated with a diagnostic tool prior to purchase to ensure no underlying airbag or supplementary restraint faults are stored.