2018 Nissan Micra 1.0L Petrol · YD68 FGF

The 1.0-litre petrol Micra is among the most economical superminis on the market, with real-world fuel economy typically in the 45–55 mpg range, making it inexpensive to run for commuting or town use. Road tax for a 2018 petrol Micra falls into a low VED bracket, usually £150–£190 per year, though it is not exempt from the standard rate. Insurance sits in a low group, generally group 3–5, keeping premiums affordable for younger and older drivers alike. Routine maintenance such as oil changes, brake fluid, and air filters is straightforward and cheap, with annual servicing typically costing £120–£200 at an independent garage.

Estimated annual running cost for this vehicle, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, would be in the region of £1,200–£1,500. This assumes moderate driving of around 4,000–5,000 miles per year, although the recorded history suggests this particular car has been driven far less. If annual mileage remains low, fuel and tyre costs will be minimal, though you should still budget for an annual service to keep the car in good mechanical order and to preserve any remaining manufacturer warranty considerations. Overall, this is one of the cheaper-to-run cars in its class, which is part of its enduring appeal as a first or second household car.

Begin with a thorough inspection of the front suspension, as the 2026 MOT flagged advisories on both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes. Push down firmly on each front corner and release to check for prolonged bouncing, and listen for clonking noises on uneven surfaces. Examine the tyres closely for age-related cracking, particularly noting the 2024 advisory that flagged perishing on the nearside rear tyre; check the DOT date codes on all four tyres and replace any over five years old regardless of tread depth. Given the very low mileage, also inspect for corrosion underneath, around the wheel arches, and along the sills, as low-use cars can sometimes suffer from surface rust due to infrequent washing.

Lift the bonnet and check fluid levels, looking for any signs of stale coolant or discoloured oil that might suggest infrequent use. Inspect the rear brakes directly, as the 2023 failure was due to an imbalance across the rear axle; unevenly worn rear pads or a sticking caliper could resurface. On the test drive, ensure the car pulls straight under braking and that the parking brake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. Finally, verify that all previous advisories have been addressed, and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection for added peace of mind given the suspension items raised in the most recent test.