2008 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · WM57 LUJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 November 2025 returned a Pass with no defects recorded, indicating that on the day of testing the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements. Notably, an earlier test entry on the same date shows a Fail, but with no defects listed within the provided data; this typically suggests a minor administrative or presentation issue that was rectified and re-submitted the same day, or a categorisation peculiarity in the MOT history rather than a substantive mechanical failure. Looking at the broader pattern, the Micra has passed each of its last three annual tests in 2023 and 2024 without any advisories or failures, which points to a stable and well-maintained vehicle with no apparent deterioration in condition over the recorded period. The absence of recurring advisories for suspension, braking, or exhaust components suggests that the previous keeper has kept on top of routine maintenance or that the vehicle simply has not accrued sufficient wear to trigger advisory notes. Against a vehicle age of around 18 years, the recorded odometer reading of 60,752 miles is exceptionally low, equating to an annual average of approximately 3,375 miles. This places the Micra firmly in the low-mileage bracket, but it is important for a prospective buyer to recognise that low recorded mileage on an older car often conceals extended periods of standing or very short, infrequent journeys. Such usage patterns can be more detrimental to certain components than higher continuous mileage, as they accelerate calendar-based degradation rather than wear-based degradation. A low annual mileage figure also raises a question that should be clarified with the seller: is the odometer reading genuinely representative, or is there a gap in the recorded MOT history that might suggest the vehicle was off the road or that the mileage record is incomplete. Given this age and usage profile, a physical inspection should focus primarily on the consequences of standing and time rather than high-mileage wear. Tyres should be examined carefully for perishing, sidewall cracking, and uneven tread wear, particularly on the inner edges which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues even at low mileage. The brake discs and calipers warrant close attention, as prolonged standing commonly leads to corrosion on the disc friction surfaces and seizing or binding of caliper slide pins, which can manifest as a pulling sensation under braking or a judder when stopping. The 12-volt battery is another likely concern, as batteries rarely survive more than five to six years and a failing unit can cause starting difficulties, erratic electrical behaviour, and dashboard warning lights; a battery health check or evidence of recent replacement should therefore be obtained. Fluid condition and service history merit equal scrutiny, given the calendar age of the vehicle. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) all degrade with time regardless of mileage, and a comprehensive service history with documented fluid changes would significantly enhance confidence in the vehicle. Drive belts, the timing chain (Nissan Micras of this era are fitted with a timing chain rather than a belt, but it should still be inspected for noise and tension), and rubber components such as the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and engine mounts should be checked for hardening and cracking, as age-related rubber degradation is common. During a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, monitor for warning lights on the instrument cluster, and verify that the clutch, gearbox, and steering operate smoothly. With the MOT history showing a clean record and no advisories, the mechanical risk lies less in identified defects and more in the latent effects of age and infrequent use, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician highly advisable.