2006 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · WN56 CLX

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 July 2026 resulted in a Pass, although the tester recorded two advisories concerning a product film on both headlamp lenses, two Minor defects for defective windscreen wiper blades, and an advisory for slight cracking and perishing on the nearside front tyre measured at 3mm of tread. Looking across the full MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a broadly stable maintenance profile with no re-test failures or dangerous defects recorded since a single Major failure in August 2023 relating to an inoperative nearside rear passenger door and a seriously defective headlamp lens, both of which appear to have been rectified before the subsequent pass. Recurring themes across multiple consecutive tests include persistent play in the nearside steering rack inner joint, repeated nearside tyre perishing advisories, and intermittent wiper blade defects, indicating areas of chronic wear rather than acute deterioration. The overall trajectory is best characterised as steady, with the owner addressing items promptly to achieve annual passes. The recorded odometer reading of 23,125 miles on a 20 year old vehicle equates to an average annual mileage of around 1,156 miles, which is exceptionally low and strongly indicative of either very light occasional use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage is mechanically beneficial for major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, as cumulative wear remains minimal. However, low usage carries its own well documented risks, including corrosion of brake discs due to infrequent operation, potential binding or seizure of brake calipers from prolonged inactivity, accelerated deterioration of rubber components, oil seals, and brake fluid from calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation, and degradation of the 12 volt battery from shallow discharge patterns. The MOT records reinforce this standing-vehicle pattern, with advisories for tyre perishing and cracking appearing repeatedly on tyres that may have relatively high remaining tread simply because they have not been used enough to wear down, while still suffering age related sidewall degradation. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring nearside steering rack inner joint play, which has been flagged at every MOT since at least 2020. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly when traversing uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or while turning the steering from lock to lock at low speed. Free play in this component can progressively worsen and may eventually lead to an MOT failure, so it warrants a physical inspection by placing the vehicle on a ramp, checking for excessive movement in the inner tie rod or rack ends, and obtaining a quote for replacement. The nearside front tyre perishing advisory measured at 3mm suggests the tyre should be replaced regardless of remaining legal tread, as sidewall cracking on a 20 year old vehicle compromises structural integrity even when tread depth remains adequate. Inspect all four tyres for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber, particularly between the tread blocks and the wheel rim, and budget for a full set replacement. Given the age of this Micra, several standing-vehicle and time based degradation checks are strongly advisable even though they do not appear in the MOT record. Verify that the brake discs are not heavily corroded or lipped, which would manifest as vibration or shudder under braking, and confirm that the calipers are releasing freely without the vehicle pulling to one side on the first application of the brakes. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil for date of last replacement rather than relying solely on mileage intervals, as all three fluids degrade over time. Check the condition of the 12 volt battery, as batteries on low mileage vehicles frequently suffer from sulphation and reduced cranking performance. Examine all rubber components including suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the exhaust mounting rubbers for perishing and cracking. Finally, ensure the timing chain or cam belt has been replaced at the manufacturer specified calendar interval regardless of the low odometer reading, and confirm that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals to corroborate the recorded mileage and ongoing mechanical upkeep.