1990 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1990 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 1990.

• Tread depth3.7× usual
  Nissan Micra

  19.8% All 1990 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.5% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  18.8% All 1990 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 3.2% of all 1990 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Nissan Micra

  21.4% All 1990 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.4% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Nissan Micra

  9.6% All 1990 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.5% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 1990 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Nissan Micra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 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 tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1990 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1990 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1990 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?