2018 Nissan Micra 0.9L Petrol · WM18 LBV

The most recent MOT inspection on 5 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history shows a concerning trend of declining attention to safety-critical consumables. While the vehicle passed, the previous test resulted in a dangerous failure due to a structural tyre defect and a major failure regarding windscreen wiper effectiveness. The history indicates a recurring pattern of neglect regarding tyres and braking components, with failures and advisories appearing consistently over the last three years. Rather than showing a stable or improving maintenance profile, the vehicle appears to be subject to reactive rather than preventative maintenance, where components are only addressed once they reach a point of failure or legal non-compliance. With a recorded mileage of 46,308 over approximately eight years, this Nissan Micra has averaged roughly 5,788 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, suggesting the vehicle has seen light usage or has spent considerable periods stationary. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it introduces specific risks associated with infrequent use. Low-usage vehicles are prone to rubber component degradation, such as perishing tyres and perished suspension bushes, as well as fluid contamination and battery health issues. The MOT history confirms these risks, specifically noting tyre cracking and perishing as a recurring advisory issue. Prospective buyers should be particularly vigilant regarding the vehicle's tyres and suspension. The recent history of structural tyre failure and multiple advisories for cracking and perishing suggests the rubber is aging prematurely due to UV exposure or standing time rather than tread wear. During a test drive, listen for rhythmic thumping or uneven road noise which could indicate internal tyre structure issues, and inspect the sidewalls for deep cracks. Furthermore, the 2024 failure regarding worn suspension arm bushes indicates that the rubber components in the steering and suspension geometry are reaching the end of their service life. You should check for any clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, as worn bushes can negatively affect steering precision and tyre wear patterns. The braking system also requires close scrutiny. The vehicle has a documented history of thin brake pads and worn discs, including a dangerous failure in early 2025. Although these appear to have been addressed, the recurring nature of these advisories suggests a pattern of running components to their absolute limit. On your test drive, pay close attention to any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal, which could indicate warped or poorly surfaced discs, and listen for any squealing that might signal glazing or insufficient pad thickness. Additionally, given the low annual mileage and the advisory regarding low coolant levels, you must verify the integrity of the cooling system and ensure that all fluids have been changed according to the manufacturer's time-based intervals rather than just mileage, to prevent internal corrosion and degradation.