2016 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · ST66 FTJ

A pattern of braking system and underbody corrosion issues dominates the mechanical history of this 2016 Nissan Micra and warrants close attention from any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 22 May 2026 resulted in a pass, but it followed an earlier failure on the same date driven by a split nearside front drive shaft CV boot, an inoperative tyre pressure monitoring system on the nearside rear, and an obviously under-inflated nearside rear tyre. More concerning is the picture painted by the 2025 test cycle, which recorded a dangerous defect on the nearside rear brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture, alongside an excessively corroded offside rear brake pipe, an electronic braking system warning lamp fault, and an inability to complete brake performance testing. Recurring advisories on the offside front tyre being worn down to the legal limit at both the 2025 and 2026 tests, combined with the recent advisory for a worn nearside front suspension arm bush, suggest that chassis and underbody components are showing progressive deterioration rather than isolated incidents. With 54,878 miles accumulated over a ten-year lifespan, the vehicle is running at roughly 5,488 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of this age. The MOT testing record shows a three-year interval between the 2023 and 2025 tests, which is consistent with low annual mileage and potentially extended periods of standing. Mechanically, low-mileage cars of this vintage are prone to seized brake calipers, corroded brake pipes, deteriorated rubber boots and gaiters, and dried-out suspension bushes, all of which align precisely with the defects recorded on this particular vehicle. The brake pipe corrosion flagged as dangerous in 2025 is particularly characteristic of a car that has seen limited use combined with exposure to moisture and road salt, as galvanised steel brake lines oxidise internally and externally when a vehicle is driven infrequently. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear brake system, as the dangerous brake pipe defects and the inability to test brake performance in 2025 suggest that subsequent repairs may have been carried out but warrant verification. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of recent pipe replacement, and check both rear brake pipes along their full length for surface rust, blistering, or flaking, particularly at unions and mounting clips. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and verify that the electronic stability control warning lamp extinguishes promptly after ignition, since an ABS or electronic braking fault had previously been logged. Pull the handbrake firmly and confirm it holds the car on an incline without excessive travel, as binding rear calipers are a common consequence of low-mileage use on this model. The split constant velocity boot on the nearside front drive shaft is another priority check. With the front wheels turned to full lock, examine the inner and outer CV boots on both sides for any fresh grease deposits, splits, or perished rubber, and listen for any clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain during tight low-speed manoeuvres. The worn nearside front suspension arm bush should be assessed by rocking the front wheel side to side at the bottom and pushing vertically to detect any excessive play, listening for clonks over uneven surfaces. The recurring front tyre wear on the outer edge suggests a tracking or geometry problem, so verify that the steering is centred and that the car tracks straight without pulling, and inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear. Finally, confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system is functioning correctly on all four wheels, as the previous inoperative sensor may have been replaced but should be independently validated before purchase.