2015 Nissan Pulsar 1.2L Petrol · PF15 AAJ

The most recent MOT on 3 February 2026 was passed, the only comment being a light misting of oil from the nearside front shock absorber. This follows a failure just weeks earlier on 27 January 2026 for an excessively worn off‑side front suspension arm ball‑joint and an incorrectly fitted rear tyre, and a pair of failures in February 2024 that included dangerous tread depth, failed rear brake pads and position‑lamp faults. The shift from a failed result to a pass indicates that the owner has begun to address the most serious safety items, but the recurrence of suspension wear, tyre concerns and brake wear shows that the overall maintenance trend is only marginally improving rather than consistently stable. At 61 927 miles the car averages roughly 5 600 miles per year over its eleven‑year life, which is well below the typical UK usage rate. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or long spells of standing, both of which can accelerate age‑related deterioration even when component wear from distance is modest. The relatively low mileage does not eliminate the need to scrutinise parts that suffer from calendar ageing, such as rubber compounds, battery plates and corrosion‑prone fittings, but it does mean that high‑mileage wear items like clutch discs or timing chains are less likely to be near the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. The off‑side ball‑joint that was recorded as excessively worn in early 2026 is a critical steering component; any looseness, clunking when turning over bumps, or uneven tyre wear can signal that the joint has not been replaced or is close to failure. The nearside front shock absorber’s oil mist suggests internal seal degradation – look for a soft, spongy feel on the front ride height and any visible oil on the shock body or surrounding chassis. The rear tyre that was flagged for being fitted contrary to side‑wall instructions should be inspected for correct size, load rating and uniform wear; mismatched tyres can lead to handling imbalance and premature wear on the suspension. Brake work is also overdue: the rear brake pads were recorded at less than 1.5 mm in early 2024 and the rear discs were noted as pitted. Listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a pulsation when applying the brakes, and verify that the discs are not scored beyond the minimum thickness. Finally, ensure both rear position lamps operate correctly, as their failure was recorded as a major defect in 2024, and check for any lingering oil seepage from the front engine area that could indicate a developing gasket issue. Because the vehicle is over a decade old, age‑related checks are essential regardless of mileage. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially on the front tyres that have not been replaced since the 2024 dangerous tread finding. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for sulphation, low cranking voltage and any signs of leakage, and consider a load test if the battery appears aged. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, which can develop during long periods of inactivity. Verify that the service book contains regular oil changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt or chain inspections at the manufacturer‑specified intervals; fluid condition should be clear, with no milky appearance in the oil or coolant. A thorough visual and auditory inspection combined with a short test drive that includes gentle braking, cornering and a few bumps will reveal whether the car’s current condition matches the MOT record or if hidden deterioration remains.