2005 Nissan Almera 1.8L Petrol · SC52 TAG

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 March 2026, though four advisories were recorded against the front braking system. These included slight deterioration of both front brake hoses and worn, petted inner brake discs on both sides. Looking back through the test history, the maintenance trend shows a clear and consistent deterioration of the braking system over the past three years. The 2024 test noted front and rear brake disc wear along with an oil leak, the 2025 test resulted in a failure due to significantly worn rear brake discs, and the 2026 test continues to flag worsening front disc condition alongside deteriorating brake hoses. While the vehicle has consistently achieved a pass, the advisory trajectory suggests that brake components are reaching the end of their service life and warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 136,827 miles across approximately 21 years equates to an annual average of around 6,516 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no glaring gaps or sudden mileage spikes in the available test history to suggest long periods of standing or unusually heavy use in any single year. This average usage pattern is generally favourable, as it implies regular rather than sporadic driving, which tends to keep mechanical components, brake systems, and seals in better working order than a vehicle left idle for weeks or months at a time. Nevertheless, 136,827 miles is substantial for a 2005 Nissan Almera, and high-mileage wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, exhaust mounts, and engine internal seals should be assumed to have experienced significant fatigue. Given the recurring brake-related advisories across multiple tests, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The front discs and pads have been flagged repeatedly for wear, pitting, and corrosion, which on a test drive may manifest as brake shudder under heavy pedal pressure, a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal, or extended stopping distances. The recent advisories regarding deteriorating front brake hoses suggest these flexible rubber lines are perishing and should be replaced as a matter of routine maintenance before they develop cracks under pressure. The 2025 failure for significantly worn rear brake discs indicates those components were likely replaced or skimmed shortly afterwards, so it is worth confirming the date and nature of any subsequent brake work. Additionally, the persistent oil leak advisory recorded in both 2023 and 2024 should be investigated to identify its source, as oil leaks from the camshaft cover gasket, sump, or valve seals become increasingly common on higher-mileage Almeras and can lead to oil consumption issues if left unresolved. Beyond the documented defects, several age-related checks are advisable given that this is a 21-year-old vehicle regardless of mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined carefully for cracking and perishing from age, as rubber compounds degrade over time even when tread depth remains adequate. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, particularly if the vehicle has had periods of infrequent use, as a weak battery can mask underlying alternator faults. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, brake fluid, engine coolant, and automatic transmission fluid or manual gearbox oil should be regarded as overdue for replacement on a time-and-mileage basis rather than relying purely on the service interval record. Finally, the underside of the vehicle should be examined for corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension components, exhaust hangers, and subframe mounting points, as vehicles of this vintage are increasingly susceptible to structural and component-level rusting that may not yet be flagged during a standard MOT inspection.