2015 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · WN65 BYZ

A pattern of emerging corrosion and brake deterioration defines this Micra's recent MOT record. The most recent test on 16 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a prior failed assessment on the same date, with both outcomes carrying advisories for perishing tyres on three corners and corroded rear coil springs on both sides. Earlier, on 24 April 2025, the vehicle passed an MOT immediately after failing one earlier the same day, the failure caused by major defects at both rear service brakes binding excessively, alongside advisories for front suspension arm bushes, corroded rear brake hose ferrules, worn rear coil springs, and a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. The only entirely clean test in the available history was the 6 April 2024 pass with no defects recorded, meaning the most recent two annual tests have shown a noticeable decline in component condition, particularly affecting the rear axle area, brakes, and suspension bushes. With 62,594 miles recorded over eleven years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,690 miles annually, which is low for its age. The MOT history shows tests in 2024, 2025, and 2026, consistent with a continuous on-the-road status and no extended periods off the road that would raise separate concerns about dormant deterioration. Low annual mileage typically results in slower wear of high-mileage consumables such as brake discs and clutch components, but it can accelerate corrosion on unprotected steel items like coil springs and brake pipe ferrules, and can lead to binding brake calipers due to infrequent use and surface corrosion on the caliper slides and pistons. The advisory history aligns with this pattern: coil spring corrosion flagged on both rear springs across two consecutive years, brake hose ferrule corrosion in 2025, and rear brake binding defects in 2025. For a prospective buyer, the rear axle should be the primary focus of physical inspection. The rear coil springs, now flagged as corroded in both 2025 and 2026, warrant a close visual examination for flaking, pitting, or any reduction in spring length, as corroded springs on a Micra of this age can eventually fracture. The rear brake system requires particular attention: the major binding defects at both rear calipers in 2025 should have been rectified with either caliper overhaul or replacement, and a test drive should include firm pedal applications from low speed to confirm the rear brakes release cleanly without any dragging sensation, pulling to one side, or hot-smell after driving. The front suspension arm bushes, noted as worn in 2025, should be assessed for any clunk or knock over uneven road surfaces, particularly when turning or braking, as bush wear of this nature progresses with time and may now sit beyond advisory tolerance. The brake hose ferrules flagged with slight corrosion in 2025 are a routine advisory on low-mileage vehicles and should be inspected for any further deterioration, surface rust creep along the braided or rubber line, and any sponginess at the pedal. The tyres, with cracking or perishing noted on three positions in 2026 and edge wear on the nearside front in 2025, suggest age-related rubber degradation rather than rapid wear, so all four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and manufacture date, with budget allowed for a full set if needed. Finally, a thorough underside inspection on a ramp is recommended to check for any further corrosion to the rear subframe, brake lines, and suspension components not fully visible from above, given the clear pattern of corrosion-related advisories at the rear axle over consecutive tests.