Nissan Micra

Remove the badge from many new cars and you’ll struggle to tell what it is, but try the same with a second hand Nissan Micra and you’ll have no such problems identifying it. With a profile that’s as distinctive as that of a Lamborghini Countach it’s a styling masterpiece. Introduced to the UK in January 1993 its soft, blobby shape was set to define the styling of a whole generation of superminis.

But unlike many ground breaking designs the Nissan Micra was never a case of style over substance, it looked the way it did because that was the best way for a supermini to look. With a wheel in each corner, short body overhangs front and rear and a high roof line it managed to squeeze the maximum amount of interior space onto the minimum amount of road. Available with both 3 and 5 doors it soon became a firm favourite amongst young families looking for something cheap to run, older drivers wanting something easy to drive and young drivers wanting something cheap to insure.

Under the bonnet was the choice of 1.0 or 1.3 litre petrol engines producing 53bhp or 75 bhp respectively. Both had a perky, honest nature and managed to blend acceptable performance with excellent economy. However the Micras’s equipment levels were similarly frugal and it wasn’t until the car received a minor facelift in March 1998 that options like power steering and air conditioning became more common place. Whilst Nissan were careful to protect the Micra’s distinctive profile these face lifted cars are pretty easy to distinguish with larger headlamps, chrome radiator grills and revised a two piece side rubbing strip. Interiors also gained a minor freshen up and seat trims and dashboards received an upgrade, which added to the cars longevity and today these cars are generally accepted as the ones to buy. Which ever model you buy you’ll find that visibility is great, the dials are clear and the controls logical and easy to use. But whilst taller drivers won’t struggle for head room, wider ones will; shoulder room can be a bit tight if you’re built like a prop forward and rear legroom is also understandably limited.

But whether pre or post facelift, take a Micra out for a test drive and you’ll find it’s a doddle to drive with a light clutch and slick gearbox, only ultra low mileage examples need to be viewed with caution as components are more likely to deteriorate through lack of use rather than excessive wear.

If changing gear isn’t one of your favourite occupations then hunt down one of the CVT automatics. Despite only being available on the 1.0 litre model it makes for a pleasant enough drive particularly if combined with the option of power steering.

In July 2000 Nissan boosted power upping the 1.0 litre from 53bhp to 60 bhp, a modest but noticeable increase, and from 75bhp to 82bhp in the 1.3 litre model which also gained 73cc and was re-badged as a 1.4 litre. If you are buying used it’s worth going for the largest engine you can, it makes a modest difference to the insurance and fuel consumption is virtually identical but you will welcome the extra power if you intend stretching its legs on the motorway.

Second hand Micra’s are pretty plentiful at the moment and prices have taken a hit since the new model was introduced in 2003 so it’s as good a time as any to search through the classifieds. Haggle hard and even a top spec SE or SE+ with power steering and air conditioning is unlikely to command over £5,000. If you fancy a used car that you’ll always be able to spot in the car park, I think it’s worth every penny.

• Steering Power steering a desirable option, standard on top-spec cars
• Gearbox Manual gearbox is strong and a sweet shifter, but CVT auto can cause problems
• Engine Six-monthly oil changes, regardless of mileage, are essential
• Timing belts Rattling timing chain signals a very big bill
• Facelift Post-March 1998 models get larger headlights, a chrome grille and revised interior
• Insurance Even the most powerful 1.4 is a maximum of group 5
• Servicing Local non-franchise dealers can handle the technically simple Micra with ease and you'll save a fortune
• Equipment The optional comfort pack was desirable, adding PAS and factory-fitted sunroof to the equipment list
• Mileage Average-mileage cars are your best bet, ultra-low-mileage cars can have problems with cold starting due to condensation in the ignition system
• Colours Avoid lairy colours such as bright green, gold and metallic bronze if you want to later sell the car with ease
• Exhaust Low-mileage cars can suffer from rusty exhausts due to a build-up of moisture
• Suspension Front-suspension wishbones prone to rusting and can be a major cost
• Front wheels Check for kerbed alloys and scuffed wheel trims
  

• Nissan Micra 1.4 SE five-door
  2000 W-reg
  40,000 miles
  Pay £3,995 from a reputable dealer or £3,250 privately
  
  
  
  

3 door models worth £250 less than equivalent 5 door
Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer

 © Jason Dawe Productions Limited October 2004