2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · PL16 XTK

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 July 2026 returned a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, representing a positive return to a clean test result following a series of minor items and advisories noted at the previous test. Across the eight recorded MOTs between 2019 and 2026, the vehicle has achieved an unbroken run of passes, which suggests a broadly stable and well-maintained mechanical condition with no escalating or recurring failure points. The isolated wiper blade advisories from 2025 and the suspension arm bush advisories appear to have been addressed or have not deteriorated to a test failure level, indicating a maintenance pattern that is consistent and not worsening. With 30,634 miles recorded against a ten-year age, this Nissan Micra has averaged approximately 3,063 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this vintage. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-consumable items such as the clutch, drivetrain, and internal engine components, it carries its own set of mechanical considerations. Prolonged periods of standing or infrequent use often accelerate calendar-based degradation of rubber, polymer, and fluid-based components, and buyers should be mindful that low mileage does not equate to a mechanically younger vehicle. There are no recorded gaps in the MOT history, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout the period covered. Given the age of the vehicle and the largely clean test record, a prospective buyer should conduct a physical inspection focused on the common failure modes associated with a ten-year-old vehicle that has seen light use. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing, cracking, or ozone degradation from age, even if the tread depth appears adequate; tyres fitted to a 2016 car are likely approaching or beyond six years of age regardless of mileage and may warrant replacement on safety grounds. Brake discs and calipers are prone to surface corrosion from standing, so both the visible disc faces and the caliper sliding mechanisms should be checked for binding, uneven pad wear, or resistance when the wheels are rotated by hand. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, as batteries of this age commonly lose capacity, and the date code on the existing unit should be verified. Fluid condition is calendar-based rather than mileage-based, so the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should all be assessed against their recommended service intervals rather than assumed serviceable from low mileage. On a test drive, attention should be directed to symptoms that may indicate age-related deterioration rather than mileage-related wear. Any knocking, clonking, or uneven tyre wear patterns could suggest that the previously noted front lower suspension arm bushes have progressed, particularly over speed bumps, rough surfaces, or when cornering. Brake pedal feel should be monitored for sponginess or shudder under braking, which would indicate corroded discs or degraded fluid requiring attention. Listen for any timing chain or injector noise on cold start, and observe for any exhaust smoke or warning lights that may suggest underlying issues masked by the low mileage. Finally, verify the service book history with corroborating invoices to ensure that time-based services, particularly the cambelt if applicable to this engine variant, coolant renewal, and brake fluid changes, have been carried out at the correct intervals irrespective of the low annual mileage.