2008 Nissan Micra 1.5L Diesel · YA57 GWD

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 February 2026 recorded a Pass with no defects or advisories noted, indicating that at the time of test the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements. Reviewing the broader history, the pattern is one of intermittent testing followed by immediate re-test passes, with failures recorded on 10 February 2025 and 10 February 2026, each on the same date as a subsequent pass. The absence of any documented defects on either the failures or the passes suggests that the failures were likely administrative in nature, perhaps related to documentation, lighting bulb rectification, or minor items corrected on the same day, rather than substantive mechanical or structural issues. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than deteriorating, though the compressed two-test pattern warrants confirmation with the seller that any required remedial work was properly completed and not merely a short-term fix. The recorded mileage of 140,104 on an 18-year-old Nissan Micra equates to an annual average of approximately 7,784 miles, which is broadly typical for a small supermini of this vintage and aligns with expected urban or commuter usage. There is a notable interval between the November 2023 test and the February 2025 test, which could indicate either a period of light use, seasonal storage, or simply that the previous certificate was still valid. Given the calendar span of 18 years, the actual mileage progression per year is moderate rather than excessive, meaning that major drivetrain components are unlikely to have suffered from severe high-mileage wear, but the sheer age of the vehicle means that rubber, plastic, and corrosion-related deterioration become the dominant concerns regardless of the odometer reading. Given the clean advisory record but the advanced age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should prioritise physical inspection of age-related consumables and components. Check the tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate, and verify that all four tyres are of consistent type and age. Examine the brake discs for pronounced lipping, surface rust, and any evidence of binding calipers, particularly given that short urban journeys may not sufficiently clear corrosion from the disc faces. Inspect the exhaust system, mounting rubbers, and underbody for corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear silencer, subframe mounting points, and suspension components, all of which are known wear areas on a Micra of this generation. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or coil springs, and check for any pulling to one side under braking. Finally, verify the service history stamps and ensure that time-based maintenance items have been addressed regardless of the odometer reading. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years irrespective of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and internal corrosion within the brake system, and coolant should have been replaced on a similar cycle to protect the engine's internal waterways. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement given its age, and a load test or date code inspection is advisable, particularly as vehicles used for short trips may suffer from chronic undercharging. Inspect the cambelt or chain service record according to Nissan specifications, confirm that the engine oil and filter have been changed at appropriate intervals, and look for any evidence of oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, which is a known wear point on the K12 Micra. A compression test or at minimum a thorough cold-start observation would be prudent to verify internal engine condition before committing to purchase.