2005 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · OW05 ENL

Corrosion on the nearside rear vehicle structure and recurring issues with braking components and lighting define the mechanical profile of this Nissan Micra. The most recent MOT test on 31 January 2025 resulted in a pass, but it follows a failure on the same date involving major defects to the offside front position lamp, direction indicator, windscreen wiper, and an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. While the vehicle has passed several tests since 2019, the recent record shows a trend of increasing advisories, specifically regarding chassis corrosion and worn brake discs, which suggests a transition toward more significant structural and consumable wear. The vehicle has covered 123,287 miles over its 21-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,871 miles. This is a relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. While lower mileage can reduce wear on high-frequency components like the engine and gearbox, the recorded history shows that certain elements such as suspension ball joints and braking surfaces are still subject to age-related degradation. The gap in testing between October 2021 and January 2024 is notable, and during such periods of lower usage, components like brake discs can become pitted or scored due to surface oxidation, a condition that was explicitly flagged in the January 2024 advisory. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the reported nearside rear chassis corrosion. Although it was noted in January 2025 as not seriously affecting overall security, structural oxidation is progressive. During a test drive, the vehicle should be inspected for any signs of spreading rust or bubbling paint around mounting points. Furthermore, the repeated advisories regarding worn front brake discs and the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit indicate that consumable replacement is becoming a frequent requirement. Listen for any rhythmic clicking or grinding noises when braking, and feel for any pedal judder or vibration that could indicate further disc deterioration or binding calipers. Suspension integrity should also be a primary focus during an inspection. The history includes a major failure in 2021 for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and a 2025 failure regarding a damaged anti-roll bar linkage dust cover. These components are critical for handling and noise reduction. On the road, pay close attention to the steering response and listen for any knocks, clunks, or knocks coming from the front end when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these symptoms often indicate worn suspension bushes or failing ball joints.