2004 Nissan Almera 1.8L Petrol · RA53 JCV

The 2004 Nissan Almera presents a stable but ageing mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 2 January 2026 at 76,941 miles, passed with several advisories that point to gradual deterioration rather than sudden failure. Rear brake discs are worn, though not excessively, and both headlamp lenses carry a coating that has not yet seriously reduced light output. A minor exhaust leak persists, and the tester noted surface corrosion across all suspension and axles alongside localised structural corrosion that has not yet compromised rigidity. Comparing this to the clean pass recorded on 1 December 2022 at 76,341 miles, the trend is one of slow, predictable wear accumulation rather than a sharp decline. The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the advisories are clustering in areas that demand closer scrutiny. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. Across roughly 22 years, the odometer has advanced just 76,941 miles, averaging approximately 3,497 miles per year. The gap between the December 2021 test at 74,865 miles and the December 2022 test at 76,341 miles accounts for 1,476 miles, and the subsequent 11 months to November 2024 added only 291 miles. By January 2026 the reading had reached 76,941, meaning 309 miles were covered in the final 14 months. This pattern suggests prolonged periods of standing, which can accelerate rubber perishing, brake surface corrosion, and exhaust deterioration, exactly the kind of defects the record now reflects. Buyers should focus their inspection on the areas the MOT has flagged repeatedly. The exhaust system has shown a minor leak in three of the last four tests, spanning from November 2023 through January 2026, indicating a persistent issue likely at a joint or the rear section rather than a one-off failure. Both front tyres were noted as cracked or perishing in November 2023 and again in November 2024, and while tyres are consumables, the recurrence suggests the vehicle may have sat for extended periods with little rotation or use. Headlamp lens condition has appeared as an advisory in four consecutive tests since November 2023, progressing from slight lens defects to a surface product that may now be reducing output. This warrants checking whether the lenses have been polished or are genuinely degrading. The structural and suspension corrosion noted in January 2026 deserves the most serious attention. Surface rust on all suspension components and axles, combined with localised corrosion on the front vehicle structure, is typical of a vehicle that has spent time stationary or in damp conditions. A hands-on inspection should check subframe mounting points, lower suspension arms, and inner wing seams for perforation rather than merely surface oxidation. The rear brake disc wear, flagged in the latest test, should be measured against minimum thickness specifications, and the calipers checked for binding given the low mileage and potential for seizure from inactivity. Overall, the record reflects a car that has been gently used but inconsistently maintained, with minor faults left to accumulate rather than proactively addressed.