2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · SW10 VMU

The most recent MOT, dated 18 March 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions criteria. However, the preceding MOT on 17 March 2026 recorded a suite of major failures – notably in the front suspension ball joints, exhaust system, brake performance and lighting – and earlier years show a pattern of recurring front‑suspension wear, exhaust leaks and brake pad wear. The shift from a failed result in March 2026 to a pass a day later suggests that remedial work has been carried out, but the history reveals a generally deteriorating trend that has only recently been arrested; the overall maintenance trajectory is therefore still of concern and should be monitored closely. At 59,045 mi the 2010 Nissan Micra averages roughly 3,700 mi per year, which is low for a sixteen‑year‑old vehicle. Such modest annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, both of which can lead to age‑related degradation despite the low wear figures. The low utilisation may have contributed to the front‑suspension ball joints and exhaust components deteriorating through corrosion rather than sheer mileage, and it also raises the likelihood of battery sulphation, rubber hardening and fluid breakdown that are typical of vehicles that sit for extended periods between journeys. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and exhaust system. Inspect the ball joints on both front lower arms for excessive play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk, looseness or uneven tyre wear on the front tyres may indicate impending failure. Examine the exhaust manifold, silencer and rear pipe for rusted brackets, cracked joints or soot stains around the tailpipe that could signal a leak; a noticeable hissing sound or exhaust fumes entering the cabin while the engine is idling would confirm a serious fault. The brake system must be checked for pad thickness – the previous dangerous failure for pads under 1.5 mm suggests the need for fresh pads and possibly new discs if there is surface rust or uneven scoring – and the pedal should feel firm without sponginess or pulsation under braking. In addition to the specific defects, a vehicle of this age and usage pattern warrants a thorough age‑related inspection. Verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking, dry rot or bulges, as rubber can perish even with low mileage. Test the 12 V battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, especially if the car has been stored for long periods. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and signs of contamination, and consider a full service if the last documented change exceeds twelve months. Finally, look for corrosion on chassis mounting points, suspension bushes and brake caliper pins, and ensure that any child‑seat mounting plates do not obstruct the adult seat‑belt path, as repeated advisories in the MOT record indicate they have been present in the past.