2021 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · SO21 KTA

The 2021 Nissan Micra presents a stable and largely positive roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT conducted on 1 May 2026 at 25,444 miles resulting in a pass. The sole advisory raised at that test was an offside rear tyre showing slight damage, cracking, or perishing on the sidewall, classified under item 5.2.3 (d) (ii). This is a minor consumable defect rather than a structural or mechanical concern, and it indicates the vehicle has been maintained to a reasonable standard through its most recent inspection. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no recurring serious defects and no evidence of worsening mechanical deterioration. The mileage pattern is notably low for a five-year-old vehicle. Between the first recorded test on 15 April 2024 at 8,476 miles and the most recent test on 1 May 2026 at 25,444 miles, the car covered approximately 16,968 miles over roughly two years, averaging around 8,484 miles per year during that period. Prior to April 2024, the mileage was just 8,476 miles, suggesting the vehicle saw very light use in its first three years. The gap between the 2024 and 2026 tests is approximately one year, which is consistent with annual testing. The low overall mileage implies reduced wear on suspension components, brake discs, and drivetrain parts, though prolonged periods of standing can introduce its own concerns such as perished rubber seals, tyre flat-spotting, and moisture-related corrosion in brake components and the exhaust system. The recurring theme across the MOT history is tyre sidewall damage. The April 2024 test flagged both the nearside front and nearside rear tyre sidewalls as slightly damaged, and the May 2026 test flagged the offside rear tyre in the same manner. This pattern suggests the vehicle may have been driven over kerbs or into potholes with some regularity, or that the tyres have aged unevenly due to low usage and prolonged exposure. A prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall bulges, embedded objects, and uneven wear patterns. The nearside front road wheel was also flagged as slightly distorted on the inner rim during the April 2024 test, which further supports the likelihood of kerb impact or pothole damage. The wheel rim should be checked for cracks and the tracking and suspension geometry, particularly the front wishbone bushes and strut mounts, should be assessed for any play or damage that could indicate unresolved impact wear. The headlamp aim defects recorded in the failed test of 15 April 2024 were rectified before the pass was issued on the same date, indicating a prompt repair. No further lighting or electrical defects have appeared since. Given the low mileage and the nature of the advisories, the primary areas for in-person inspection are the tyre condition, wheel integrity, and front suspension components. A thorough check of the underside for corrosion, particularly on brake lines, the exhaust system, and subframe mounting points, is also advisable given the possibility of extended periods of low usage. The vehicle's MOT record does not indicate any serious structural or mechanical risk, but the repeated tyre and wheel advisories warrant closer physical examination before purchase.