Nissan Micra (1993 - 2002) 1.0 GX 5d (96) (1996/N) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

New driver/student on a very tight budget, or an OAP who only uses it to potter around town and go to the post office.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Suprisingly they like it - it is small, reliable, practical and sensible, but do not expect to attract any attention from anybody.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Only if it comes with power steering and is rust-free, and successful during its MOTs. Although, personally, I would not go for the 2003-2010 as I hate the look of it.

What are you likely to buy next?

I bought a Volkswagen Polo as it was cheap to buy and insure. Even though it was a better quality car, the Micra was much better and far more reliable.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£430

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

At the time it was OK, but at the time I needed a car quickly,and this was the only car left that was within my budget.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a cheap first time car which is low on insurance and is reliable to get to and from work.

What was the dealer like?

She was OK, but was very tight on the price.

What's it like to drive?

Having a 1.3 16 valve engine in a very lightweight body means that this car is quite quick off the mark and on the go, but there is a lot of body roll in the corners. The brakes were average at best, but up a hill it was good for a supermini. Although the steering was good on the move, parking was an absolute nightmare and the turning circle was horrendous due to the lack of power assisted steering.

What's it like to park?

Pulling up was a slight difficulty, but the main struggle was parallel parking and bay parking because, again, the car lacked power steering.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It was rather reliable for a 16-year old car, but it had really rusted. So in the 5 months that I had owned it, the only things I replaced were the front left tyre, the exhaust and a light bulb.

What's most practical about your car?

5 doors, central locking, good on fuel and insurance, very easy to drive, plus for a 1.3 it is rather fast.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Personally, having body coloured bumpers and 5 doors was a treat, but my favourite gadget had to be the central locking and sunroof. However this car REALLY needed power assisted steering because of its terrible turning circle, and stiff parking steering.