2003 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · OV52 LCA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 December 2021, resulted in a Pass with a single advisory noting a minor leak of exhaust gases at the rear of the silencer. Over the preceding six‑year record the vehicle has moved from a series of serious failures in 2016, 2018 and late 2020 to successive Passes with only advisory items. Although the pattern shows a clear improvement in the severity of defects, the persistence of corrosion‑related advisories on both rear suspension mounting points and the earlier front suspension arm wear indicates that underlying structural issues have not been fully resolved and merit close scrutiny. At 96 515 miles the car averages just over 4 200 miles per year, well below the typical usage for a 23‑year‑old vehicle. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage, which can accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, seals and battery health despite the modest wear figures. The relatively low mileage does not, however, eliminate the need to assess wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension bushings, which can deteriorate from time and environmental exposure as much as from distance travelled. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear suspension mounting areas on both sides. Look for excessive rust, pitting or any deformation of the mounting brackets, and check for play by applying firm pressure to the rear wheels while the vehicle is on level ground. Any clunking, uneven rear wheel movement or visible corrosion could indicate that the structural integrity of the outersill is compromised and may require reinforcement or replacement. The front left suspension arm pin and bush, flagged as excessively worn in 2020, should be examined for looseness and audible knock when negotiating bumps; worn bushings often manifest as vague steering wander or a shudder under braking. The off‑side front coil spring that fractured in 2018 should be inspected for cracks or fatigue, and the overall spring set should be measured for correct sag to confirm that the suspension geometry remains within specification. Additional items to verify include the minor rear‑silencer exhaust leak – listen for a ticking or hissing sound at idle and inspect the exhaust pipe for rusted joints or perforations that could allow fumes into the cabin. The gearbox oil leak noted in 2016 should be confirmed by checking for fresh oil stains beneath the vehicle and by confirming the transmission fluid level and condition; a persistent leak can lead to inadequate lubrication and eventual gear failure. Brake pads and discs, previously reported as low and worn, must be measured for remaining thickness and inspected for scoring or rust, especially after long periods of inactivity. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, as tyres older than six years can become unsafe even with low tread wear. Finally, test the 12 V battery voltage and assess the condition of the electrolyte, and verify that all scheduled service stamps are present, as many fluid changes (coolant, brake fluid, engine oil) are time‑based on a vehicle of this age. Addressing these points will give a clear indication of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable standard.