2014 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · SC63 UAS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 March 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions requirements. Earlier in the series there were a number of advisories and two failures – a major headlamp fault and a severely worn front anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joint in 2024, and a major front brake disc wear together with tyre edge wear in 2023. Since those failures the car appears to have been repaired, as evidenced by the clean passes in 2025 and 2026, so the maintenance trend is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. With 71,098 mi recorded on a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,900 mi, which is well below the typical UK average of around 10,000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage because rubber components may perish with age, corrosion can develop on brake discs and exhaust, and battery capacity may have declined despite the modest distance travelled. The mileage itself does not suggest excessive wear on major drivetrain parts, but the low usage pattern does raise the need to verify that time‑based services have been observed. The recurring suspension advisories – slight play in the nearside front ball joint, worn front and rear suspension arm bushes, and the previously flagged off‑side anti‑roll‑bar linkage – merit a thorough inspection of all front and rear suspension bushings and ball joints. Look for any clunk or knock when the steering wheel is turned at low speed, and check for uneven tyre wear that could indicate mis‑alignment. The near‑side rear tyre was noted as perishing in 2025, so examine both sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges, and verify that the tread depth is comfortably above the legal minimum. The oil leak advisory has persisted for two years; locate any fresh oil on the engine sump or under the vehicle after a short drive, as a slow leak can eventually affect oil level and cause bearing wear. Confirm that the off‑side headlamp now operates correctly and that all lighting functions are fully functional. On a test drive, listen for any shudder or pulsation through the steering column that could betray worn front bushings, and feel for a firm, consistent brake pedal without sponginess or vibration that would suggest the brake discs have been resurfaced or replaced since the 2023 failure. Because the car has spent considerable time idle, inspect the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and have the battery load‑tested, check the condition of the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids for discoloration or sludge, and verify that the service book shows regular oil changes and timing‑chain inspections. Finally, ensure the tyre pressures are set to the manufacturer’s specification and that the spare tyre, if fitted, is in good condition, as these time‑based items are as critical to roadworthiness as the recorded mileage.