2005 Nissan Micra 1.6L Petrol · YC55 LCO

A pattern of persistent minor electrical faults and recurring tyre deterioration defines the MOT history of this 2005 Nissan Micra, alongside progressively flagged front suspension wear. The most recent test on 16 July 2026 was a pass, but advisories were issued for reduced damping effect on the offside rear shock absorber and corrosion affecting both rear coil springs, which are age-related concerns typical of a vehicle over two decades old. The preceding 2025 test, which followed an earlier failure within the same month, again recorded perishing on the rear tyres and a worn front suspension arm rear mounting bush. A track rod end ball joint with slight play has been flagged twice across the 2022 and 2024 tests, suggesting progressive wear in the front steering and suspension assembly that has not yet crossed the failure threshold. Five tests are recorded in the DVSA history, with only one outright failure and that failure related solely to tyre and lighting items, though the cumulative list of advisories indicates an aging vehicle with multiple developing concerns across tyres, suspension, and rear dampening components. Against an age of roughly twenty-one years, the recorded mileage of 70,610 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 3,362 miles, which is notably below the typical usage rate for a city car of this era. This low figure is consistent with the extended gaps between tests observed in the record, particularly the interval between November 2022 and January 2024, suggesting the vehicle has spent significant time either stationary or used very lightly. Low annual mileage of this nature can reduce wear on major drivetrain components but often accelerates corrosion on suspension springs, brake components, and underbody metal, as condensation and moisture accumulate without the drying effect of regular extended running. The recurring advisory for rear coil spring corrosion seen in the most recent test is consistent with this usage profile. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension and steering components warrant close physical inspection, particularly given the repeated track rod end ball joint play advisories across the 2022 and 2024 tests and the 2025 advisory for a worn lower suspension arm rear mounting bush. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness, slack, or wandering in the steering, particularly under braking or over cambers. With the front jacked up, check the offside track rod end for vertical or horizontal play by hand, and inspect the lower arm rear bush for splitting or crumbling rubber. The rear suspension also requires attention following the 2026 advisories for shock absorber damping and corroded coil springs; bounce each rear corner by hand to confirm the dampers resist and settle immediately, and visually inspect the springs for surface corrosion that may compromise structural integrity. The tyres have been a recurring advisory theme, with perishing and cracking noted on both front and rear items across four of the five recorded tests, which warrants a careful inspection of sidewall condition and tread depth on all four corners regardless of apparent wear. The persistent minor defect for the offside registration plate lamp being inoperative across multiple tests suggests a likely failed bulb or corroded socket that has not been permanently resolved, which is a trivial fix but should be confirmed as operational at the time of viewing. Finally, given the age and the evidence of corrosion beginning to affect rear coil springs, a thorough underbody inspection is advisable, with particular attention to the rear suspension turrets, brake pipes, and any structural seams where twenty-one years of exposure may have taken effect, ideally carried out on a lift or with careful use of a torch and mirror at ground level.