Nissan MICRA (1983 - TO 2003)
MODELS COVERED: First generation 1983-1993: 3 and 5dr hatchback (1.0 [L, LS, LX, Super, Colette, GS, SGL, GSX] /1.3 16v [LX, SLX, Super S, Si, GS, GSX]) Second generation (UK-built) 1993 to 2003: (1.0 16v 3 and 5dr hatchback [L, Shape, Equation, Profile, LX, GX, S,SE,Sport] / 1.3 16v 3 and 5dr hatchback [Equation, Profile, LX, GX, Super S, Si, SR, SLX, SE] / 1.4 16v 3 and 5dr hatchback [S, SE, SE+, Sport+])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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This is one of the best little shopping cars on the market and the good news is that it's now one of the best value used cars you can buy. Seen by some as the 1990s version of the
Mini, the second generation Micra has achieved a great deal in its young life. True, the first generation model (which lasted for 10 years) was unexciting and appealed mainly to driving schools and elderly lady drivers. It was however, reliable and well built.
Those comments apply also to the second generation post-1993 Noddy Car model, voted Car of the Year in 1993 and built not in the land of peach blossom but in Geordieland at Nissans Washington plant in Tyne and Wear.
Reliability personified. In fact, its a problem in some cases. Micras are so reliable that indifferent owners reckon it's hardly worth bothering with servicing. But, if you want a cheap small car to nip around in, start with the baby Nissans.
Mid-1980s Micras are ridiculously cheap available in a private sale for as little as £200 in some cases; for a starter runabout, you couldn't do better. More realistically, a 90G or 91H-plated 1.0 LS would set you back about £400 or less. Add about £100 for plusher GS trim, up to £150 for 1.
2-litre power and an extra £100 if you want five doors. Best, however, to save up for a second generation car. These are much more affordable now at prices starting from about £1,000 for the 1993 K-plated 1.0 L.
A more typical 1996 N-plater would cost around £1,300. Allow premiums of £100 for five-doors and £200 for plusher LX trim. The 1.3-litre 93K cars start from under £1,300 with LX trim, with a more typical 1995 M-plater at about £1,800.
The slightly revised 1996 cars start at about £2,100 for the GX. The 1998 facelift cars are around in bulk now so look at plenty to secure a Micra just right for you. Prices start around £2,000 for a three-door 98R 1.0 Equation (from £200 extra for five doors; £600 more for GX trim).
A 1.3-litre Equation three-door should be yours for less than £2,200 or, if you want a bit of spec, look at GX five-doors from under £2,400. Special editions galore are about but dont pay extra for a car unless the extra equipment adds air conditioning (on models including the Ally and Inspiration) or, on base models, power steering; either is worth £100-200 more at most. In fact, the trade values some Micra specials lower than the regular versions theyre based on.
Power steering is worth having but was optional on most one-litre and base models. Check carefully the list of previous owners on the V5 form and perhaps get in touch; mid-wives, clergymen and pensioners signify a good bet driving schools a bad one (the gearbox and other mechanical bits may be tired). Make sure the car you like has been serviced properly with proof to hand (ignore the usual excuses; there are thousands more to choose from if history is suspect). Check around the tailgate and doors for any signs of rust.
Being all-alloy, the engines need to have had regular anti-freeze changes, otherwise they sludge up and blow head gaskets. Test drive for signs of overheating and take off the oil filler cap to see if lubricant and water have mixed to produce a creamy sludge. If so, walk away. Also listen for signs of a noisy camshaft as the timing chain (not a snap-prone belt) needs regular tensioner checks.
Low-mileage cars often get barely two years from exhaust systems. Also look for slipping clutches (a clue to elderly or driving school ownership) and seized brake callipers. Check for dodgy steering (noises on full lock indicate worn constant velocity joints.
(Approx. for a second generation 1993 1.3) A clutch assembly will be around £105 and front brake pads are around £35; its £35 for the rear set. An alternator should be close to £200 and a radiator around £110.
A replacement headlamp is close to £90, a full exhaust system excluding the catalyst will be around £200 and a starter motor can be up to £200.
Don't bother buying a
Nissan Micra if you do more than a little motorway work (though the new-shape 1.3s aren't too bad at speed). The second generation car, needless to say, drives hugely better than its predecessor Si - and won't indicate your premature retirement to the neighbours. The nippy 16-valve one-litre engine used in the second generation car is particularly impressive, performing more perkily than paper performance figures of 0-60mph in 15.2s on the way to a maximum of 89mph would suggest. In reality, the pulling power through the gears is enough to dispatch driving school dawdlers and the whole business is accomplished with a zest that will impress Fiesta or Metro drivers.
The handling on the other hand will suit shoppers rather than sporting drivers. Youre unlikely to want to drive it with such aplomb of course, which will be just as well if youre to approach the 48mpg that Nissan claims is possible on the urban cycle. Were you to crawl up the M1 at a steady 56mph, that figure would rise to nearly 60mpg at the expense of your being a pain in the neck to other road users. If you don't mind sacrificing a few mpg in the quest for more performance, the 1.3-litre models may well suit. Though in new-shape form, the little Nissan looks smaller than, say, a Fiesta, its actually just as spacious inside with better headroom thanks to that high-sided styling. The compact dimensions and light steering (get one with power assistance if you can) also make it quite a bit more manoeuvrable while the multi-link suspension makes light work of high street bumps.
Go for a clean-looking Micra with a full service history from a reputable source and you shouldn't go wrong. Its the perfect no-hassle starter car and runabout.
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