Faults:

The timing chain was replaced under warranty when the tensioner failed and it was rattling badly.

CV joint replaced under warranty.

Both front shock absorbers replaced.

Failed to start one morning. Called the AA, who diagnosed 'flooded spark plugs' - apparently a common problem with Micras.

Gear lever makes a curious buzzing noise in 3rd and 5th which stops if you hold it. The dealer re-attached a spring in the linkage, but it was doing it again within days.

Clattering noise from gearbox (?) when idling.

Corrosion starting on the nearside sill, and also under front of car.

Compared to Fords the reliability is a dream (and I suspect we have had more problems than most Micra owners).

The car is an ex-company car which may well explain some of the faults (possibly a pool car driven by lots of drivers).

General Comments:

We really like our Micra, but may be changing it for a Primera soon as we want something a bit bigger and faster on the motorway.

For a 1-litre car it does quite well on the motorway, but ours seems afflicted with an annoying 'boom period' dead on 70mph. It is much smoother and quieter at 80mph.

Nissan service is very good, but a bit costly - a full 'c service' cost £250 which seems a bit steep compared to other small cars, especially considering the Micra is built in Sunderland and not abroad.

It is very spacious for a small car and it is surprising how much can be put in with the seats folded.

Nissan may be labeled as dull and boring, but it gives many people exactly what they want - a reliable and affordable car that doesn't fall apart - Ford could learn a thing or two!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong. (yet!)

It has only cost me twice:

-Two front tires

-Routine service.

General Comments:

This car is very economical:

-Around 45 Miles per gallon

-Cheap tax

-Cheap insurance.

Has quite a feminine image, but looks better with 'Storm grey' paint and a rear spoiler!

The interior is OK, but a little spartan (No clock, rev counter, sunroof), but this is expected on a basic car.

Performance is good for a 1 litre; cruises at 70 MPH and is good around town, but runs out of breath on hills.

Tip: Standard micra mud flaps trap dirt behind them and need to cleaned every 3 months. (Could be a future rust spot?)

Overall, an excellent first time car.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Excellent car but somehow not as much fun as the 1.0.

Faults:

Only trouble has been with the immobiliser (didn't start one morning).

General Comments:

Fast for a 1.0l, needs body colour bumpers, takes serious abuse!

Faults:

No faults whatsoever since new.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable motor. Great gearbox and engine combination which will leave just about all other 1 litre cars standing. SO cheap to run. Seems to run forever on £5 of fuel! Looks a bit feminine, though.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Very nice small car without any faults during 2 years use. 1.3 is quite powerful and power steering makes Micra a very nice town car. It's so good that I already ordered the latest '98 model!