USED Nissan Micra Hatchback (02 - 11)

My car

1.2SX 03 Reg bought in July 04 with just 4500 miles on the clock, now showing 64000. The car has been serviced as per Nissan schedule at a Nissan dealer and has caused ...no trouble AT ALL! Average MPG since purchase is around 48, front pads and discs were changed at 33000 and have just purchased third pair of tyres. No other unusual expenses have been incurred. From what I hear and have read, the oxygen sensor problems may well be down to poor fuel and the timing chain problems are relating to poor lubrication - missed service intervals and the use of non-genuine filters. My only grumble is that changing a headlight bulb (especially offside) is a real pig - but that seems to be a common problem with most modern cars. I love the little car. It does rather deserve the description 'fugly' though...

My car

I have owned this car from new for nearly a year. Mine is the automatic model. I have been delighted with this car. I have read a lot of negative comments regarding particular recurring faults, but having done a lot of research before purchasing mine, I found out that all of the problems mentioned had been ironed out by the second half of 2005 when it had a major internal facelift. It had thicker windows, new bumpers, extra draughtproofing, new more comfortable seats and I believe a new re-designed timing chain.

Therefore if you buy any Micra from late 2005 onwards you will be buying an extremely reliable and well built car which is great fun to drive.

Although its known as a town car its a real pleasure to take along winding country roads and has excellent grip.

The automatic wouldn't be everybody's first choice but its a very smooth changing box and doesn't take the fun out of driving as some do.

I'm 6'1" tall and there's loads of headroom and despite what others have said there's no problem getting 3 adults in the back seats. The interior has a real quality feel to it as though it belongs to a vehicle at least a class above it.

I've driven a LOT of different cars in my time and this one is a match for any of them.

My car

I own a Nissan Micra 06 1.2se. The car is easy to drive and has good build quaility with some good cabin refinements. The Micra is let down by its reliability as with only 12000 miles on the clock an oxygen sensor devoloped a fault, resulting in poor performance and the engine management light staying on. The Nissan main dealer diagnosed the fault straight away, but owners beware! The main dealer did not hold any spare parts, which required another appointment of 3 days wait before taking it back to be fitted. Another hour and a half wait and I was told that the wrong part had been sent but in the right box. Can you believe it! I cannot understand why parts are not held at the Main Dealers so that these sort of problems can be fixed immediately. I am pleased with the overall performance of the car but would expect much better aftercare service from the Main Dealer.

My car

It is my wife's car bought as ex demo 3 months old and I go out in it occasionally for a spin . Its quite fun with a vervy little engine that does 44mpg around town.

Its cost my wife nothing other than a new battery after three years, (apparently when only used on short journeys batteries have a hard time - ie it would not hold its charge.) £56 for new one. Its only done 8500 miles. Service costs at local garage are £150 a time, cheaper than Nissan garage.

It is practical, well specced,and has cheeky looks. Has two flaws the boot liner is very cheap and rattles and the clips that attach the boot cover to the back seats could be less fiddley. Other than that can't see what others complain about and my wife still loves it.