2004 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · WD04 DPK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 September 2025, was passed but returned two advisories – slight play in the nearside front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint and a product on the front headlamp lens. Over the preceding six years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring wear items, notably tyre tread approaching the legal limit, multiple ball‑joint play advisories, rear brake imbalance and a history of a fractured nearside front coil spring in 2020. While the major failures of 2020 have been cleared and the latest test is clean, the persistence of minor suspension and tyre warnings indicates a maintenance trend that has stabilised but still requires vigilant attention to wear‑related components. At 68 593 miles the Micra averages roughly 3 100 miles per year, a very low utilisation for a twenty‑two‑year‑old car. Such modest mileage often points to long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone metal parts despite the low wear on the drivetrain. The low annual mileage reduces the likelihood of high‑stress fatigue on engine and transmission components, but it also means that components such as the suspension bushes, rubber mounts and tyre sidewalls may have perished from age rather than use. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the suspension and steering assemblies. Inspect the nearside front anti‑roll bar linkage and the offside front track‑rod ends for any looseness or audible clunk when the steering wheel is turned at low speed; excessive play can lead to imprecise handling and uneven tyre wear. The rear tyres have been flagged repeatedly for tread close to the legal minimum and for cracking, so a thorough visual check of tread depth, sidewall integrity and any perishing is essential, and the tyres should be replaced if the remaining tread is below 1.6 mm or if cracks are evident. The rear brake system has been noted as marginally imbalanced on several occasions, so the buyer should test the brake pedal for a firm, even feel and ensure the handbrake holds firmly without excessive travel. Any signs of brake judder, pulling to one side or a soft pedal may indicate worn pads, corroded discs or the need for a brake‑balance adjustment. The headlamp on the nearside still shows a product on the lens; verify that both dipped beams illuminate correctly and that the wipers clear the screen effectively, as a previous failure in these areas could affect safety. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection is advisable. Examine the chassis and under‑body for rust, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as prolonged storage can promote corrosion. Check the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage; a battery older than ten years may need replacement. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct level and appear clean, noting that time‑based fluid degradation can occur even with low mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any noted repairs, and request a mechanic’s inspection of the coil springs and any previous structural repairs to ensure no hidden fatigue remains.