2004 Nissan Almera 1.6L Petrol · YE04 PMP

A twenty-two-year-old Nissan Almera carrying 176,868 miles presents a mixed mechanical picture, with the most recent test on 20 January 2020 being a pass with no advisories recorded, but the broader history revealing two failures and recurring issues centred on the braking system, lighting, and wiper functionality. The 2017 test produced a failure listing that included a binding nearside rear brake, both rear parking brakes recording little or no effort, a non-functioning offside front dipped beam headlamp, and an insufficient washer supply. Just under two years later, the January 2020 failure again highlighted brake-related concerns with an excessively fluctuating offside front service brake, alongside a non-functioning nearside front position lamp, a wiper failing to clear the windscreen effectively, an obligatory mirror providing an inadequate rear view, and an exhaust carbon monoxide content exceeding manufacturer limits. Despite this, the pass immediately afterwards shows none of these items were flagged, suggesting remedial work was carried out, although the short gap between the failure and pass on the same date means a degree of caution is warranted regarding the durability of those repairs. The only advisory on file, a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on edge from December 2018, is a relatively minor observation but does indicate attention to tyre condition remains relevant at this age. The recorded mileage of 176,868 miles over a 22-year life equates to roughly 8,000 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a vehicle of this vintage and indicates steady, consistent usage rather than prolonged periods off the road or exceptionally high accumulation that would accelerate wear on major drivetrain components. The testing record itself shows a gap between late 2017 and early 2020, with the 2020 pass and failure falling within the same week, while prior testing ran from 2017 back to the start of the record. This consistency of annual mileage suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use, which in mechanical terms means the engine, gearbox, and ancillaries should have reached and been operating at normal operating temperature on a frequent basis, reducing the risks associated with internal corrosion, oil contamination, and seized components that can accompany long stationary periods. However, the cumulative mileage of nearly 177,000 miles places significant wear demand on suspension bushes, coil springs, shock absorbers, engine and gearbox mounts, clutch assembly, and cooling system components, all of which are consumables that progressively deteriorate with use rather than time. Given the specific defect history, particular attention should be paid to the braking system on any prospective inspection. The 2017 failure recorded a binding nearside rear brake, which if rectified by a simple caliper slide pin clean and re-grease may be acceptable, but if a seized caliper piston was the underlying cause, replacement would be expected. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation, uneven pulling, or judder through the brake pedal, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline with a firm, positive lever feel rather than travelling to the last few clicks. The 2020 flag of an excessively fluctuating offside front service brake could point to a worn caliper guide pin, a warped front disc, or uneven pad wear, all of which would manifest as vibration or pulsation under firm braking and potentially steering wheel disturbance. Inspect the visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion, blistering, or weeping, as a 22-year-old vehicle is at a heightened age where steel brake lines can suffer external corrosion, particularly where they pass close to the wheel arches or underbody mounting points. The exhaust carbon monoxide exceedance recorded in 2020 suggests combustion efficiency issues, potentially from a worn engine, lambda sensor, or catalytic converter degradation, so listen for any irregular idle, misfire, or hesitation on acceleration, and check for black smoke from the tailpipe. The lighting and visibility defects flagged across both failures should also inform a careful physical check. With headlamp and position lamp failures recorded, inspect all exterior bulbs for correct operation including dipped beam, main beam, indicators, side repeaters, and rear lamp clusters, looking for signs of water ingress, discoloured reflector bowls, or cracked lens units which are common on vehicles of this age. Ensure the windscreen wiper blades sweep cleanly without smearing or leaving un-wiped arcs, particularly on the offside where the previous failure was noted, and confirm the washer system delivers a strong, consistent spray to both the front and rear if fitted. Beyond these directly flagged items, the underbody deserves close scrutiny for structural corrosion, particularly around the front subframe, rear axle mounting points, and suspension turrets, as corrosion failure is a common reason for older Almeras being withdrawn from the road. Check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox sumps, condition of the CV joint boots for splits, and examine the condition of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends for perished rubber boots or excessive play, all of which would be expected to show wear at this mileage and age.