2002 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Micra

  16.7% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  15.5% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Braking performance1.6× usual
  Nissan Micra

  12.5% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.4× usual
  Nissan Micra

  5.7% All 2002 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Rust in key structural areas2.5× usual
  Nissan Micra

  4.2% All 2002 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 2002 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Nissan Micra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  36% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Nissan Micra

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2002 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2002 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2002 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?