2019 Nissan Micra 1.5L Diesel · WF69 CSZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 4 October 2025 with a single advisory noting play in the offside steering rack inner joint. The overall trend across the recorded test history is stable, with two consecutive pass results in 2024 and 2025, although the 2023 retest followed an earlier failure within the same week. That earlier failure related to both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes being excessively worn, which is a meaningful item to monitor given it was flagged on both nearside and offside components at the same time. The fact that the vehicle passed cleanly the following year suggests the suspension components were attended to, but the advisory on the steering rack inner joint recorded at the most recent test indicates ongoing wear in the front steering and suspension area that warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. With approximately 71,964 miles recorded over a seven-year period, the vehicle has covered roughly 10,281 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and suggests regular rather than occasional use. There are no extended gaps in the test record that would imply prolonged standing, which is positive in terms of avoiding issues such as seized brakes, exhaust corrosion from condensation, and tyre flat-spotting. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent, indicating the odometer is likely to be reading correctly and that the vehicle has been used in a manner that should have kept consumables and drivetrain components reasonably active. Even so, at this mileage a small petrol supermini such as the Micra should be considered to have reached the stage where several major service items, including timing chain or belt verification, clutch wear assessment, and exhaust system condition, become worth scrutinising. The advisory relating to play in the offside steering rack inner joint is mechanically significant because it points to wear within the steering gear, which can manifest as a loose or imprecise feeling through the steering wheel, knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, uneven front tyre wear, and in advanced cases a slight wandering sensation at speed. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to detecting any slack when gently rocking the steering wheel at standstill, any knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and any irregular scuffing on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres. Given the previous lower suspension arm bush failure, the front suspension should also be examined for renewed play in the lower arms, drop links, and anti-roll bar mountings, as these components often deteriorate together and the recent advisory may indicate related wear not yet at failure threshold. The advisories recorded in 2022 concerning front brake disc wear and rear tyre perishing are useful historical indicators that warrant checking the current state of those components. Brake discs noted as pitted or scored at the previous test may now require replacement if they have reached minimum thickness, and the binding of calipers is worth checking as the vehicle has done relatively low annual mileage, which can lead to corrosion and uneven pad wear. The rear tyres flagged for perishing at the 2022 test should now have been replaced, and any replacement tyres should be inspected for even wear patterns and for sidewall cracking consistent with age rather than mileage. Beyond the recorded items, a prospective buyer should verify the condition of the twelve-volt battery, which is often overlooked on cars of this age and can fail without warning, confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been changed at their calendar-based intervals regardless of mileage, and inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers. A thorough road test should include warm and cold engine checks, listening for any timing chain rattle on start-up, and confirming that the clutch feels progressive without slipping under load.