1990 Nissan Micra

Summary:

Great little runner

Faults:

The switch for the beam/headlights keeps going faulty - sometimes the lights go out completely as you're driving along!

The switch which engages when you go into reverse has failed - the reversing lights don't come on.

The hydraulic arms for the boot don't work and the boot keeps smacking your head.

General Comments:

This is a great little car, incredibly reliable, cheap to run, cheap to tax, and what more can you ask for for under £500?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2006

1990 Nissan Micra GLS 1.0 petrol (carburettor)

Summary:

A pity more little cars aren`t as good as this

Faults:

The first thing that was a problem, was the clutch. The previous elderly owner had a habbit of riding the clutch. This resulted in excessive wear. I managed to do an additional 24000 miles before the clutch needed changing. Cost £70.

Rear box blew at 42000 miles.

Cost £31 to replace and fit.

New front left hand tyre at 42500 miles.

Cost £15 to replace and fit.

General Comments:

Nothing that gives cause for concern has gone wrong with this car.

The parts seem to be fairly inexpensive. This car is probably cheaper to run than my motorbike, without a shadow of a doubt.

The engine starts first time no matter what. However, the automatic choke takes a while to get use to. I discovered, to start from cold, you fully depress the accelerator and then depress the accelerator by about 10mm. The engine then starts no problem.

The ride quality can be a bit bumpy.

Steering is a bit heavy at low speed, but nothing to worry about.

The engine has had its fair share of thrashings. Despite this, the engine still sounds like new.

The car is quite nippy, but when loaded with five people and going uphill, you know it is only a one liter.

The engine bay has loads of space, thus allowing maintenance to be performed with ease.

The engine and gearbox set up is a joy to work with. The engine pulls well in third gear at low speed. I have no trouble getting round tight corners with this gear and speed.

The only drawback is the four speed gearbox. This makes long motorway drives rather less practical, due to the fuel consumption and engine noise. A five speed gearbox would be hugely beneficial.

The interior is fairly bland and less equiped than my other car. But this isn`t really a concern, as I tend to concentrate on driving rather than paying attention to the fascia.

The all-round vision is impressive. Much better than any other car I have driven.

The boot, although appears to be small, is in fact, able to accommodate a large suite case and other items.

Rust has not been a problem. Although, Nissans have been known for rust problems.

The car is able to wheelspin surprisingly easy for a one liter, especially in the wet.

I can honestly say, what a cracking little motor. I would be heart broken to part with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2005

1990 Nissan Micra LS 1.0 petrol

Summary:

Reliable run-around for town driving, but not for long distances

Faults:

Needed new tires when purchased.

Rear number plate fell off, due to rust around the screws on the bodywork.

Parcel shelf hinges snapped.

Gear box seized up at 68000 miles, then I sold it.

General Comments:

This was a very reliable car for the most part while I owned it. Being a 1 litre, it struggled with slight inclines, and don't even mention filling it with people!

Very cheap and flimsy trim, made fitting new speakers difficult.

Heavy steering for such a small car, I certainly got strong arms from driving this car!

Bad cabin noise, especially at speed. Struggles over 70mph mark.

Will go pretty quick if you push the engine hard enough though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th October, 2004

1990 Nissan Micra LS 1.0L

Summary:

A car with sit-up-and-beg characteristics, with bullet-proof dependability

Faults:

Superficial rusting of some body panels.

Offside headlight needed replaced.

General Comments:

This car has been remarkably dependable by the three members of my family who have happily used it and has it remained an effective run-around despite the passing years.

The paintwork is bright and shiny, but only recently has the superficial rusting been a slight problem - easily overcome by ensuring it is repaired!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2004