2006 Nissan Almera 1.5L Petrol · WD06 ADX

The most recent MOT test on 27 June 2025 resulted in a pass, following a failure the previous day which was largely attributable to a non-functional nearside stop lamp and an inoperative engine management indicator lamp, the latter being a particularly significant item as it prevented proper assessment of the vehicle's electronic emissions control system. The day after the failure, the vehicle was re-presented with both major items resolved and secured a pass with only minor defects noted. Looking across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests, the trend is one of progressive rather than sudden deterioration, with suspension and steering component advisories accumulating year on year and several items transitioning from advisory to defect status, suggesting a maintenance picture that is stable but trending slowly towards more significant intervention rather than one that is actively improving. The recorded mileage of 104,757 against a vehicle of approximately twenty years of age equates to an average of around 5,238 miles per year, which is notably low and consistent with a car that has either seen predominantly short trip use or has experienced extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage typically results in time-related degradation rather than distance-related wear, with consequences including tyre sidewall perishing and cracking, brake disc corrosion and potential caliper seizure, deterioration of rubber seals, gaskets and flexible hoses, and premature failure of the 12V battery due to chronic undercharging. The MOT history confirms broadly continuous annual testing since at least 2020, but the mileage recorded between tests should be scrutinised for any unusual gaps that might indicate prolonged off-road storage. The recurring advisories across the 2022, 2023 and 2024 tests relating to light oil misting from the offside front shock absorber, with an additional advisory for the offside rear unit in 2023, are consistent with the gradual sealing failure typical of ageing dampers and warrant close physical inspection for any worsening of the seepage, uneven tyre wear particularly on the nearside rear, and audible clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven road surfaces. The power steering seepage noted in 2020 and 2023 culminated in a major failure in 2024 for fluid leakage from the steering rack or associated pipes, an item which has clearly been addressed but should be re-examined for residual staining or weeping at the joints. Track rod end dust cover deterioration and slight ball joint play have also been a persistent theme across consecutive tests, and any test drive should incorporate full-lock low-speed manoeuvres to detect knocking or clunking from the front suspension, together with careful listening for clonks over speed humps which would indicate worn front arm inner bushes and top mounts, both of which have been flagged as worn but within acceptable limits in successive advisories. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, any prospective buyer should carry out a number of supplementary physical checks beyond the MOT record. Tyres should be examined closely for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing even where tread depth appears adequate, and the spare wheel or inflation kit should be confirmed as serviceable. Brake calipers should be checked for binding after standing, and the brake fluid, coolant and engine oil should be inspected for condition and age rather than merely level, with a complete fluid service strongly advisable if documentary evidence of recent renewal cannot be produced. The 12V battery should be load tested as batteries of this vintage are prone to sudden failure, and the exhaust system, including mounting brackets and rubber hangers, should be inspected for corrosion-induced fragility. Any illuminated engine management lamp on initial start-up should be investigated with a diagnostic code reader prior to purchase, as the 2024 failure history suggests the vehicle has previously developed intermittent electronic faults. Finally, the rear lamp lens damage noted as an advisory and the deteriorated headlamp lenses should be reviewed for moisture ingress and reduced lighting output respectively, both of which would warrant rectification for safe night-time operation.