1994 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Nissan Micra

  15.5% All 1994 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2% of all 1994 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

  15.9% All 1994 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 3.9% of all 1994 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.

• Tyre condition1.9× usual
  Nissan Micra

  18.1% All 1994 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 2% of all 1994 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. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.8× usual
  Nissan Micra

  8.5% All 1994 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.3% of all 1994 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.

• Brake lights2.5× usual
  Nissan Micra

  7.4% All 1994 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 1994 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 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
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 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 3.2× as often on the 1994 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 1994 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1994 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?