Used Nissan Micra 2017-2022 review
The Micra is affordable and well equipped, but it isn't a class leader.
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What's the used Nissan Micra like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Alternatives
Reliability
Mark Pearson
Updated: 8 January 2024
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What's the used Nissan Micra like?
The Nissan Micra couldn't catch a break, could it. Of course, Richard Hammond famously wearing a bag over his head while driving one – specifically, a pink convertible version – didn't do the model any favours.
Fortunately, this isn't that one. This is the last, 2017-2022 generation and it's actually a rather sharp dresser. Is it a properly handsome small car? That's for you to decide.
Overview
The Micra is affordable, well equipped and comfortable, but it isn't a class leader.
Pros
- Smart interior
- Good safety kit
- Comfortable front seats
Cons
- So-so to drive
- No Android Auto
- Poor rear head room
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Visia 3dr
£649
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta+ 5dr
£695
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v S 3dr
£695
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta+ 5dr
£750
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Visia 3dr
£850
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Tekna 5dr
£895
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta 5dr
£900
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v 25th Anniversary 5dr
£989
Nissan Micra
1.2 12V Visia Euro 5 5dr
£990
See all available cars
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Engines & Performance: There are two petrol engines and one diesel on offer in the Micra. Entry-level cars get a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol, but you can also have a smaller (and more powerful) 89bhp 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol for a bit more performance on faster roads. A turbocharged 1.0-litre engine – available in 92bhp, 99bhp and 115bhp forms – is your next step up.
If you want to maximise fuel economy, there’s a 1.5-litre diesel that's rather refined by small car standards. It's worth mentioning, however, that this engine left the line-up in 2020; the 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol did the same the year before.
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Ride & Handling: The Micra is an easy car to drive, with light steering, a smooth clutch and a progressive brake pedal.
The suspension isn’t great at dealing with short, sharp shocks – such as potholes – when trundling around at town speeds and it can transmit a little too much of the low-frequency vibrations caused by broken road surfaces into the interior. However, the ride settles down when you get up to motorway speeds, and the car feels very stable and planted.
Road noise is well-contained, but you can hear some wind noise being kicked up by the large door mirrors.
Interior & Practicality: Inside is a driving position that includes a multi-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat. The dashboard impresses, too, with large, clear dials and well-labelled switches that are logically arranged. If you want an armrest, though, you’ll have to choose N-Sport trim.
The steeply angled windscreen pillars can obscure your view at angled junctions but don’t cause any problems most of the time. However, rear visibility tends to frustrate. With thick rear pillars and a shallow rear screen, it’s just as well you can have rear parking sensors and a reversing camera on some models. However, they’re only standard on N-Sport and range-topping Tekna models, being optional-from-new with popular mid-spec Acenta trim.
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Up front, the Micra is impressively roomy. If you regularly carry more than one adult passenger, you might need to cross the Micra off your list. Compared with the Skoda Fabia, leg room is tight and head room is downright poor, even for those of average height.
The Micra’s boot is a decent shape and usefully wide, so it’s capable of taking a fold-up buggy or a big weekly shop.
Trims & Equipment: Visia trim is a bit spartan, but Visia+ adds air-con to make things a bit more pleasant. Mid-spec Acenta gets a much better list of standard equipment, including alloy wheels, cruise control and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system. It’s worth noting, though, that while Acenta cars and above have Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, they don't have Android Auto, which can be found in some of its rivals.
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Much more impressive is the list of standard safety tech, which includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and hill start assist, all of which add an additional layer of safety to the Micra.
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Interested in buying a used Nissan Micra? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Ownership cost
What used Nissan Micra will I get for my budget?
You can pick up a Nissan Micra for around £7000 if you fancy a 2017 example in 0.9-litre Acenta form with an average mileage and a full service history. Examples with high mileage and/or previous damage can be had for around £5000.
For a 2020 model, have at least £9000 to spend – that's if you don't want high miles or previous damage. Examples from the Micra's final two model years go for around £12,000.
Check the value of a used Micra with What Car? Valuations
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How much does cost to run a Nissan Micra?
MPG: It shouldn’t cost an awful lot to run a Micra. The 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol has an average economy figure of 61.4mpg, although that's based on older, less realistic NEDC testing rather than current WLTP standards.
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The 92bhp 1.0-litre petrol has an average economy figure of 51.4mpg, according to current WLTP standards. The turbocharged 89bhp 0.9-litre petrol, on the other hand, officially averages 47.1mpg.
The 1.5-litre diesel has an average of 88.3mpg (NEDC). This figure drops to 52.3mpg under WLTP testing.
Road tax: All cars registered after April 2017 will currently cost you £180 per year in road tax.
Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups are incredibly low, ranging from 1 to 12 (out of 50), depending on your chosen variant.
Unlike a number of fixed-price service schemes, you can take advantage of Nissan’s straight away. Most Nissan cars have a set figure for minor and major services. Individual repairs, such as replacement brake pads, also have a set fee. Taking advantage of this service offer also gets you a year’s European roadside assistance if you break down.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Our recommendations
Which used Nissan Micra should I buy?
The non-turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol is a bit too slow and the diesel only makes sense if you do lots of miles. So, we’d recommend going for the 0.9-litre petrol, because it’s the best all-round bet, thanks to its lively performance and good fuel economy.
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We’d avoid the basic Visa cars, because they do without air-con. Likewise, you should steer clear of the more expensive top-spec Tekna, unless you get a really good deal on it. Mid-range Acenta gets you all you really need and there are loads of used examples out there to choose from.
Our favourite Nissan Micra: 0.9 IG-T Acenta
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Nissan Micra?
The Ford Fiesta has always been one of the best cars in its class. In regards to its final generation, you get a bigger touchscreen than you do in the Nissan Micra and, as long as you avoid the Style version, it’ll give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. To drive, it’s much sharper and the ride is perfectly judged, soaking up the worst of the ruts without being soft, yet taut enough to keep body movements in check.
The Volkswagen Polo has been the premium option for a long time now, and for good reason. It has one of the classiest interiors in this class, and with an 8.0in touchscreen on all models, it’s got one of the best infotainment systems too. There’s a lot more space inside the Polo for rear passengers, and there are lots of engines to choose from.
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The Seat Ibiza is nearly as good to drive as the Fiesta, and it benefits from the same underpinnings as the Polo, so it’s big inside for a small car and you have plenty of efficient petrol and diesel engines to choose from.
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Interested in buying a used Nissan Micra? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.
Nissan Micra owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
Anonymous
Nissan Micra petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
May 21, 2026 8:09 PM
Lovely small car, reliable, ideal for young families, boot is ok but not as big as i need now
DENISE
Nissan Micra petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
May 8, 2026 7:08 PM
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AND TRANSFERRED IT TO MY SISTER FOR A WHILE. UNFORTUNATELY MY SISTER PASSED AWAY AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME. THE CAR ITSELF HAS TRAVELLED ONLY 14000 MILES BUT HAS NEVER BROKEN DOWN AND HAS COST JUST THE NORMAL SERVICING PLUS WEAR AND TEAR ITEMS SUCH AS TYRES.
How reliable is the Nissan Micra ?
Reliability rating: 95.8%
Nissan Micra
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Visia 3dr
£649
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta+ 5dr
£695
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v S 3dr
£695
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta+ 5dr
£750
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Visia 3dr
£850
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Tekna 5dr
£895
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v Acenta 5dr
£900
Nissan Micra
1.2 16v 25th Anniversary 5dr
£989
Nissan Micra
1.2 12V Visia Euro 5 5dr
£990
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
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