2004 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · SH04 AEJ

The 998cc petrol engine in the K12-generation Nissan Micra is renowned for its frugality, typically returning 45-50 mpg in mixed driving, keeping fuel costs low for a vehicle of this size and age. Road tax for a 998cc petrol of this era falls into a low bracket, though exact costs depend on the specific CO2 figure. Insurance should sit in group 3-5, making this one of the cheaper cars to insure on the market. The main financial risk here is the suspension work flagged in the MOT record — replacing sub-frame bushes, suspension arms, a strut, and a coil spring could easily run £600-1,000 at an independent garage. Estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance are likely in the region of £900-1,200, with significant uncertainty given the unresolved MOT defects.

Given the 2025 MOT failure list, a physical inspection must focus heavily on the front suspension and sub-frame: check the offside front strut mounting area for corrosion that compromises structural strength, examine both front sub-frame pins and bushes for play, and inspect the suspension arm bushes for wear. The CV boot on the offside front driveshaft was recorded as split, which if left unrepaired can lead to joint failure — verify whether this has been addressed. Inspect both rear coil springs for fractures, as a broken spring on one side often means the other is close behind. Beyond the MOT items, look for general corrosion around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody, and check that all headlights produce a properly aimed, full-intensity beam as the nearside and offside units both failed intensity and aim checks in 2023.