Item: Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 1993 - 2003
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

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Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

MICRA

<p>The Nissan Micra has got a Mumsy image and it's very basic, but it's a bargain to buy and own</p>


Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 1993 - 2003

<p>Prices for this Micra are so low that depreciation is a worry left with past owners, and running costs aren't a problem, either.</p>

<p>Servicing is cheap and simple enough for any garage to do a proper job, which will save on main-dealer rates, and most spares are cheaper than average, too. The 1.0 engine has a chain cam that should last the life of the engine, whereas most rivals have cambelts that require (expensive) replacement after five years or so, so that's more money saved.</p>

<p>Fuel economy is strong - with up to 38mpg in town in the 1.0, you can expect an average of up to 47mpg. The 1.4 does almost as well with a manual gearbox, while an auto will be thirstier by about 5mpg.</p>

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The Nissan Micra has got a Mumsy image and it's very basic, but it's a bargain to buy and own

<p>The simple rule is to buy as new a car as you can for the lowest price. Basic models accounted for almost all those sold new, and these are also the ones to get second-hand.</p>

<p>That said, Nissan packed the last cars of this generation of Micra with kit, so look for a 1.0 Twister on an 02 or 52 plate. This had central locking, air-con and even parking sensors, yet cost no more new than a lowly 1.0 S sold a year earlier. Micras with auto gearboxes are also little gems, but they sell fast.</p>

<p>A fair number have covered very low mileages - perhaps just 4000 a year. However, endless short trips can wear out major parts prematurely, so don't pay extra for one, and watch that it has had annual servicing, no matter how little it was used.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

<p>Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.</p>

<p>The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.</p>

<p>Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.</p>

Small

<p>Micras have become a byword for reliability, and rate well in the What Car? Reliability Index.</p>

<p>In fact, most problems arise from poor maintenance rather than something going wrong on the car. Chief among these is timing chain wear, which usually happens because past owners have left it too long between changing the engine oil. A rattle from the top of the engine at idle signals big bills for a replacement chain tensioner, while misfires are often caused by condensation at the spark plugs.</p>

<p>Corroded brake discs are common, but replacements are cheap and simple to fit, and the pads should be renewed at the same time. Suspension knocks, too aren't too much of a worry. They're often the result of worn bushes, which are cheap and quick to fix.</p>

<p>More serious is rust in the front chassis cross member, which will eventually result in your car failing its MoT test. Replacement is possible, but expensive.</p>

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<p>The buzzy Nissan Micra is small compared with some more modern superminis, so cabin space is good up front, but tight in the back, while boot space isn't great. The steering adjusts for height in all but the most basic models, and access to the rear can be a struggle in the three-door.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the car is easy and light to drive, and rides well. The 1.0 engine found in most examples feels lively in town, but is noisy and breathless on the motorway.</p>

<p>A driver airbag is standard on all models, as is a front passenger 'bag on top-line cars. However, anti-lock brakes appear only if it has an auto gearbox or on a top-of-the-range model.</p>

<p>In fact, safety isn't that impressive overall. The Micra scored just two stars out of five for occupant safety in Euro NCAP test and two (out of four) for protecting pedestrians.</p>

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Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 1993 - 2003 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Nissan Micra hatchback?