2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · OY58 PLZ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 30 September 2025, was passed but recorded a advisory concerning slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Over the preceding six years the record shows a consistent pattern of minor wear items – front suspension bushings, brake pads and tyre tread – with no major failures apart from a single failed test in 2021 for headlamp aim. The trend can be described as stable; the vehicle has not accumulated new serious defects, yet the recurrence of suspension play and tyre wear advisories indicates that wear is progressing at a predictable rate and will soon require corrective maintenance. At 106,688 miles the Micra averages just under 6,000 miles per annum, which is low for an 18‑year‑old hatchback. Such modest annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage, rather than high‑stress, high‑kilometre operation. Low utilisation reduces cumulative fatigue on engine and drivetrain components, but it also raises the likelihood of age‑related degradation such as rubber hardening, corrosion of metal parts that sit idle, and battery capacity loss. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, suggesting the odometer readings are genuine and the vehicle has not been subjected to sudden mileage spikes that would accelerate wear. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Inspect the ball joints and lower arm bushes for any perceptible play by applying firm pressure to the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or movement beyond a slight give warrants replacement. While on the road, listen for knocking or creaking when navigating bumps, and feel for any looseness in steering return. The front inner brake pads were flagged as thin in 2024; verify pad thickness visually and feel the pedal for any pulsation or increased stopping distance, which could indicate worn pads or glazed discs. The rear exhaust leak noted in 2023 should be checked for soot staining around the rear pipe joint and for a faint hissing or ticking noise that may worsen with engine load, as corrosion could propagate to the muffler or mounting brackets. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑use profile, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of age‑sensitive items is essential. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot and uneven wear patterns that may have developed while stationary; tread depth should be measured on each tyre and any that approach the legal 1.6 mm limit should be replaced. Test the 12‑volt battery with a load tester, as prolonged idle periods can diminish charge capacity. Check for corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in accordance with calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. Finally, verify that the headlamp aim is correctly set and that the service book contains regular oil changes and timing belt or chain inspections, as these are critical to long‑term reliability on a vehicle of this vintage.