2007 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · RF07 KFE

This 2007 Nissan Micra presents a curious MOT pattern that warrants careful attention from any prospective buyer. The vehicle has passed three tests cleanly across 2023 and 2024, with the most recent pass recorded on 30 December 2025, yet it has also failed twice within days of passing in successive years, once on 23 December 2024 and again on 23 December 2025. While no specific defects are listed against these failures, the back-to-back nature of this pattern immediately after a pass suggests the vehicle is being repaired as a pre-test measure rather than maintained proactively. The latest outcome on 30 December 2025 indicates current roadworthiness, but the broader narrative is one of borderline compliance rather than consistent mechanical health. Buyers should treat the absence of advisory entries with caution, as older Micras of this generation frequently accumulate minor advisories on suspension bushes, exhaust components, and brake components as they age. The recorded mileage of 131,520 miles across approximately nineteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,900 miles, which sits comfortably within typical expectations for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no apparent gaps in the testing history covering the most recent three years, suggesting the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up. However, this level of sustained annual mileage on a 2007 Micra is significant, particularly given that many of these vehicles are used as first cars or urban runabouts where stop-start driving accelerates wear on clutches, brake components, and cooling system parts. The lack of recorded advisory defects over multiple tests is unusual for a high-mileage Micra of this age, which again reinforces the suspicion that advisories may have been addressed just prior to each test or that defects are developing between examinations. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the absence of advisory history means there is no specific component guidance drawn from the MOT record, but this itself should raise the level of physical scrutiny applied. The Micra of this era is known for front suspension bush wear, particularly on the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar links, so a thorough test drive over uneven surfaces should focus on any knocking or clonking noises from the front end. Brake feel should be checked for a spongy pedal, pulling to one side under steady braking, or any grinding suggesting worn discs or pads beyond their service life, as high annual mileage inevitably accelerates pad and disc wear. The steering should be assessed for excessive play around the straight-ahead position, which is common as the rack and inner tie rod joints accumulate mileage on these vehicles. Additional checks should include a careful visual inspection underneath the car for corrosion on the exhaust system, rear subframe, and brake pipes, as Micras of this age can develop rust issues particularly around the rear wheel arches and underfloor. Listen during the test drive for any whining from the gearbox or clutch slip on hills, as the manual transmission in this model can suffer from synchro wear and clutch release problems at higher mileages. The engine should be checked for blue smoke on start-up or under load, which would indicate piston ring or valve guide wear consistent with high accumulated mileage. Finally, given the pattern of immediate re-tests in late December across two consecutive years, it is worth asking the seller directly what was replaced or repaired between the failure and subsequent pass, as this will help establish whether the work was a thorough rectification or merely a tactical fix to clear the test.