Nissan Micra LX (1996)

126 real MOT outcomes analysed • 1.2% first-time pass rate

1996 Nissan Micra LX

CarHunch analysed 126 real MOT records for the 1996 Nissan Micra LX. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1996 Nissan Micra LX is essentially beyond normal MOT assessment—a 1.2% first-time pass rate versus the UK average of 80% reflects the simple reality that vehicles this age are mostly off the road or in specialist hands, not routine testing. None of the 126 petrol examples in this sample passed first time, and none have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which suggests survivors tend to be either well-maintained hobby cars or are being tested after major work.

At an average of 114,830 miles, these Micras show typical wear for their age, with virtually no failures or advisories per vehicle on record—a misleading positive that simply reflects selection bias: only the most determined owners still put them through MOT. If you're genuinely considering a 1996 Micra, ignore the pass rate entirely and instead have a pre-purchase inspection focus on rust, brake condition, and whether the engine actually runs reliably between tests, because the MOT data here tells you almost nothing about real-world roadworthiness at this age.

Below average reliability 78.8% below UK average
1.2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.04
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1996 Nissan Micra LX

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Nissan Micra LX

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 124 0% 0
Other (2%) 2 75% 2.5

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.04
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Nissan Micra LX?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Nissan Micra LX:

1992 1993 1994 1995