2014 Nissan Pulsar 1.2L Petrol · SP64 XMF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 1 April 2026, although the test did record three advisories relating to both front brake discs showing wear and pitting and a rattle noted from the rear exhaust box. Looking at the broader history, the overall maintenance trend appears to be gradually worsening rather than stable, as evidenced by a failure just one day prior to the latest pass on 30 March 2026 due to the offside rear parking brake being inoperative on one side. This is compounded by a further failure on 4 April 2025, where the same offside rear parking brake issue was again cited alongside a dangerous defect for parking brake efficiency falling below 50 percent of the required value. An earlier failure on 22 March 2024 recorded an offside rear service brake binding issue together with a heavy oil leak advisory from the front of the vehicle, so there is a clear recurring theme of rear brake mechanical concerns and persistent front-end fluid loss that a prospective buyer should treat with caution. With a recorded mileage of 74,393 miles over approximately twelve years, this Nissan Pulsar is accumulating around 6,200 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK averages for a car of this age and segment. There are no glaring anomalies such as extended standing periods or suspiciously rapid accumulation, although the consistency of the test record suggests the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life, meaning wear-related deterioration should be progressing naturally rather than being suppressed by long idle periods. The recurring parking brake and rear brake binding defects warrant careful physical inspection prior to purchase. A binding rear caliper or seized handbrake mechanism on one side can cause uneven brake pad wear, overheating of the affected disc, and pulling to one side under braking. On a test drive, listen for clunks or grinding from the rear when releasing the handbrake, check for the vehicle pulling toward one side, and verify that both wheels rotate freely when jacked with the handbrake fully released. Given the advisory for rear disc wear at the 2026 test, the discs and pads on both rear corners may be approaching the point of replacement, and the offside rear handbrake cable, caliper actuator, or internal drum-in-disc mechanism should be examined for correct function. The front brake disc pitting advisories from multiple tests suggest surface corrosion is establishing itself, which over time can lead to brake shudder under heavy pedal application and will likely require disc machining or replacement within the next service interval. Beyond the recorded defects, the advisory for a heavy front oil leak flagged at both the 2024 failed and passed tests is a concern that should not be overlooked, as it could indicate failing camshaft or front crankshaft seals, a porous cambelt housing on this engine family, or a degraded sump gasket, any of which would warrant a borescope inspection and a check of oil level and condition. The exhaust rattle noted from the rear box on the most recent test suggests an internally corroded or broken silencer baffle, common on a vehicle of this age exposed to twelve years of road salt and moisture, and should be inspected for blowing at joints and physical integrity. On a practical level for a twelve-year-old car, the buyer should also verify the age and condition of the cambelt and water pump if due by schedule, inspect all coolant hoses for brittleness, check the 12V battery under load for cranking strength, examine tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing rather than relying solely on tread depth, and confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been replaced on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, as these degrade with time. A comprehensive service history with stamped intervals will be especially valuable on this particular Pulsar given the accumulating advisory items.