2009 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · SE59 JMX

The 2009 Nissan Micra’s most recent MOT, conducted on 11 April 2023 at 73,820 miles, passed without any defects or advisories, indicating the vehicle met all current roadworthiness standards at that point. The test history since 2019 shows a consistent pattern of compliance, with only one minor failure in April 2022—an isolated incident at 54,527 miles that was rectified immediately, as evidenced by the subsequent pass at 54,529 miles just three days later. This suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, though the lack of advisories in later tests implies no ongoing, unresolved issues were present. The final pass in April 2023 was nearly three years ago, placing it outside the current MOT validity window (which expires annually on the vehicle’s birthday). This alone warrants immediate verification of its current condition, as even minor wear—such as tyre depth or brake pad integrity—could have deteriorated significantly over this period. The recorded mileage of 73,820 miles over 17 years reflects an exceptionally low average of approximately 4,342 miles annually, well below the typical UK annual average for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2021 test at 39,814 miles and the 2019 test at 38,250 miles suggests the car was stationary or used very lightly for nearly two years, a pattern that could accelerate degradation of fluids, seals, and suspension components. The rapid accumulation of 15,000 miles between the 2021 and 2022 tests—from 39,814 to 54,529—followed by another 19,300 miles to the 2023 test, indicates sporadic but recent use. While low mileage generally reduces wear, the prolonged inactivity between tests raises questions about the maintenance of critical systems like the battery, fuel system, and suspension, which can suffer from prolonged immobility. Given the sparse MOT history and the vehicle’s age, a prospective buyer should prioritise an inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, as these components are prone to wear over time and may not have been systematically checked. The brakes, though never explicitly failed in the MOT record, should be scrutinised for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially given the 2022 failure—though undocumented—may have been related to brake components. Corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and subframe, should be assessed, as this is a common issue in Micras exposed to UK weather. Finally, the battery and electrical system warrant attention, given the prolonged periods of inactivity noted in the mileage gaps. A thorough check of fluid levels (brake, power steering, coolant) and the condition of hoses and belts is also essential, as these are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles but can degrade rapidly when neglected.