2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · NL66 WUE

The 2016 Nissan Micra presents a mixed roadworthiness picture characterised by persistent recurrent advisories rather than a uniformly clean record. Two consecutive failed tests in November 2023 and November 2024 revealed compounding issues including corroded coil springs affecting all four corners, rear axle swivel pin and bushing wear on both sides, excessive rear wheel bearing play, and nearside rear service brake binding. Despite passing the November 2025 MOT, the presence of advisory items such as corroded rear brake pipes and continued tyre wear warnings indicates that underlying mechanical problems have persisted despite the intervening successful test, suggesting that remedial work may not have been fully resolved or that conditions requiring attention remain unresolved. The vehicle's odometer reading of 52,919 miles for approximately ten years translates to roughly 5,292 miles per annum, a rate substantially below typical usage patterns for a car of this age and raises questions about the nature of the driving history. With the most recent MOT conducted just three months ago on 7 November 2025, there has been little opportunity for the vehicle to accumulate significant new wear between tests, yet the persistence of rear brake pipe corrosion and ongoing tyre wear advisories suggests that either the repairs were incomplete or the vehicle has experienced extended periods of reduced operation where these systems remained unmonitored. The low mileage figure could indicate infrequent use, prolonged storage intervals, or simply that the car has not been driven heavily enough to generate visible degradation in high-wear components. Focused on the documented failures, the coil spring corrosion reported in multiple tests represents a fundamental structural weakness that will degrade ride quality and handling consistency, particularly when encountering bumps or uneven surfaces during the test drive. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear on both sides point to progressive deterioration of the subframe assembly, which could compromise alignment and increase wear on the differential bearings over time. Nearside rear service brake binding and the subsequent failure of the nearside rear service brake to bind excessively indicate a hydraulic or mechanical fault in the braking system that requires verification before taking the vehicle onto public roads. The rear brake pipe corrosion noted in both 2023 and 2025 tests demands particular attention as leaking brake fluid can reduce braking efficiency and pose a safety hazard if the issue is not properly addressed. Finally, the tyre wear warnings on both front and rear tyres suggest that the rubber tread is approaching legal limits, which combined with the front suspension arm and bush wear, signals that suspension geometry may have shifted, potentially leading to uneven wear patterns and increased risk of handling instability should the vehicle be driven frequently.