Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2004 Nissan Micra S?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2004 Nissan Micra S?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2004 Nissan Micra S?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2004 Nissan Micra S?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Nissan Micra S (2004)

392 real MOT outcomes analysed • 56.6% first-time pass rate

2004 Nissan Micra S

CarHunch analysed 392 real MOT records for the 2004 Nissan Micra S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 23.4% below UK average

56.6%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

84,413

typical mileage

68,086–104,294 middle half

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.74

avg MOT failures per car

over 3.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2004 Nissan Micra S

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 S

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

Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Other (71%)	279	78.7%	1.04
Petrol (28%)	111	0%	0
Diesel (1%)	2	100%	0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Nissan Micra S vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

68,086

low mileage

84,413

typical

104,294

high mileage

Half of all 2004 Nissan Micra S vehicles fall between 68,086 and 104,294 miles.

2004 Nissan Micra S — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 48 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (18% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

3.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.74

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Nissan Micra S?

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

Other model years — Nissan Micra S:

1996 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006