2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · PE54 ACF

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, although the same date also records a prior FAIL for a dangerous nearside rear tyre with tread depth below the legal 1.6mm requirement, which clearly led to immediate tyre replacement before the re-test was conducted. The broader MOT history over the last six years shows a generally maintained vehicle passing its annual test, but the recurrence of advisories and one notable major failure in 2023 points to a pattern of progressive wear rather than outright neglect. The 2023 failure flagged an illuminated ABS warning lamp together with a dangerous continuous transmission oil leak, both of which represent meaningful mechanical and safety concerns, while advisories relating to oil leaks, subframe pin or bush wear, and front tyre edge wear have appeared across multiple tests. The most recent test still carries advisories for a non-excessive oil leak, worn front subframe pin or bush, corrosion at the rear inner seat belt anchorage areas on both sills, and a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, indicating that several wear items are being monitored rather than fully resolved. Overall the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with ongoing concerns that warrant close attention from a prospective buyer. With an indicated 114,101 miles recorded against a 2004 registration, this Micra has covered approximately 5,186 miles annually, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows tests clustered in certain years, including 2020, 2021, 2023 (twice), 2024, and 2025, suggesting periods of either limited use or possible standing time between examinations. Low annual mileage of this nature can be beneficial for major drivetrain components but tends to accelerate degradation of items that suffer from disuse, including brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, exhaust rusting from internal condensation, and ageing of rubber components. Conversely, the test-to-test gaps combined with recurring advisories suggest the car has been used consistently enough to keep wear progressing, particularly in terms of suspension and underbody corrosion. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the underbody and suspension condition, given the recurring advisories for front subframe pin or bush wear, nearside rear suspension component mounting corrosion on the inner sill, and offside front suspension mounting corrosion on the inner wing. These items should be physically inspected on a ramp, looking for any worsening corrosion at the prescribed anchorage areas, cracking or perishing of the subframe bushes, and play in the mounting points. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to vagueness or wandering in the steering, which could indicate advancing subframe wear. The ABS warning lamp failure in 2023 is also significant; although the car has subsequently passed, it is prudent to verify the ABS system is functioning correctly, that the warning lamp extinguishes promptly on start-up, and to ask whether the original fault was rectified via a new wheel speed sensor, reluctor ring, or ABS module repair, as intermittent ABS faults can return with age. Further checks appropriate to this low-mileage, 22-year-old vehicle should include close inspection of all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of remaining tread depth, as old tyres can fail catastrophically despite adequate tread. The brake discs should be examined for lipping, severe corrosion, or binding calipers, particularly given the 2024 advisory noting front brake disc wear, pitting, and scoring. All fluid conditions warrant attention, including engine oil (especially relevant given the recurring oil leak advisories), coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, all of which degrade with calendar age and should be replaced on a time-based schedule rather than purely by mileage. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as vehicles used intermittently suffer premature battery failure, and the exhaust system should be checked for corrosion at joints and the mounting rubbers. Finally, the sills and inner structural areas should be examined for any progression beyond the previously noted advisories, as corrosion in these areas can advance quickly on a 22-year-old vehicle and may eventually compromise structural integrity and future MOT outcomes.