2007 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · PL07 YRW

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 May 2026 resulted in a pass, accompanied by two advisories relating to the nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, and the nearside front brake pipe being corroded and covered in grease or other material. Reviewing the wider history, the vehicle has passed consistently since 2021, with the only failure occurring on 13 June 2023, attributable entirely to excessively corroded rear brake pipes, a defect that was clearly identified as an emerging concern via advisories over the preceding two years. The maintenance trend suggests a car that is fundamentally roadworthy but suffers from age-related corrosion of its underbody brake pipework and progressive wear of its front brake discs, both of which have been recurring points over the past five tests. The presence of corrosion advisories in 2021, 2022 and 2026, culminating in an outright failure in 2023, indicates that this area requires ongoing vigilance and likely eventual replacement of the rear brake line sections. With a recorded mileage of 110,270 miles over approximately 19 years, this Micra averages around 5,800 miles annually, which is notably below the national average and suggests a pattern of either short, infrequent journeys or extended periods of standing. Such low annual usage typically means less wear on major drivetrain components, but it can accelerate deterioration of consumables through lack of regular use, including brake disc corrosion from infrequent operation, oxidation of the exhaust system, and ageing of rubber components such as tyres and suspension bushes. The MOT history does not reveal any obvious large mileage gaps from the data provided, but the low overall accumulation is consistent with a vehicle that may have spent significant time stationary between uses, which has particular implications for underbody corrosion, brake seizure, and battery longevity. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front brake disc advisories warrant close physical inspection and a thorough test drive. The front discs have been flagged as worn, pitted or scored at every MOT since 2021, and while not deemed seriously weakened, this condition tends to worsen progressively and can produce brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, and reduced braking efficiency in their later stages. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or pulsating sensations when applying the brakes at speed, and inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip at the outer edge and deep scoring across the friction surface. Given the recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories, a thorough underbody inspection is essential, ideally with the vehicle raised, paying particular attention to the rear brake lines for any surface rust, pitting, or weeping of brake fluid, as the 2023 failure demonstrates how quickly this condition can escalate from advisory to dangerous. On the road, test the brake pedal for a firm feel with no excessive travel or sponginess, which could indicate fluid ingress through a corroded line. Beyond the documented defects, the age and likely standing periods of this vehicle demand attention to several time-based service items that may not appear on an MOT. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, a common issue on low-mileage vehicles of this age, and verify that the replacement nearside rear tyre fitted after the 2026 advisory is of the correct size and speed rating. Check the 12V battery for its date code and test its cranking performance, as batteries that sit discharged for long periods rarely recover fully. Examine the exhaust system beyond the noted minor rear leak from 2025, looking for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, and confirm the coolant and brake fluid have been changed at their calendar-based intervals regardless of mileage, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time even in low-use vehicles. Finally, verify the service book stamps and request any available receipts, confirm the timing chain or cam belt has been replaced at the manufacturer-recommended interval, and inspect for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, all of which are critical on a Nissan Micra approaching two decades of service.