Nissan Micra - Beware

t8769

I would like to warn people about the new shape Micra.

The old Micra was an incredible car. You can see them everywhere, as they were so well built that they rarely broke down, and 15 -20 year old models can often be seen still going strong.

The new Micra is a terrible, terrible car. It is no longer Japanese, but is built with French parts, very poor quality.

The old Micra was basically a tank, disguised as a car. It was built to last, and was a joy to drive. It had a reputation for unbeatable reliability, quality build and economy. The new Micra is built with cheap, poor quality parts.

My car only has 12k on it, and its already been back to the dealer for repair 4 times, its going back for 5th time. 7, that's right 7, things have broken on it so far, and its almost new.

Everyone I know who's had a new Micra has had to have the bearings re-done. The sensors go, the radios go, the steering column has problems, and so it goes. It is nicely designed, and it is roomy and enjoyable to drive, but then are so many French cars that fall apart.

I spoke to the mechanic at the Nissan garage who advised me to get rid of it and get a VW.

Many people buy Nissans thinking they're getting a nice Japanese car, like a Toyota or Honda. Beware, this is NOT a Japanese car. This is basically a Renault with a Japanese sticker on the front. The engine, the parts, much of the design is French.

I've nothing against our garlic munching neigbours, but as for quality car build, they're not my choice.

Those wishing to buy a reliable, quality built car, would do best to stay well clear of Nissan/Renault and go for a Honda/Toyota/VW etc. Yes, they cost an extra 20% to buy, yes they're expensive, but in the end you'll save yourself that extra cost many many times over.

Its sad to see such a wonderful car as the old Micra reduced to a cheap, badly built, French knock-off, but there it is, all good things must come to an end.

Mental_Mentor

I agree!!

Just bought a 2nd hand 53 Micra privately. Obly 28000 miles on the clock. All was well until 3 days after buying it when the Engine Management system light came on.

Took it to the dealers and paid £85 for them to hook it up to the diagnostics.

They tell me it is the Cam Chain £960 to repair!!!:eek:

I only paid £2500 for the car. Am gutted! Spent maximum budget on the car and will have to drive round in it for a long time before I can afford to fix it.
:mad:

roddydogs

The Toyota Argo is not Jap either, its the same as the Citreon

BillScarab

The previous Micra wasn't a japanese car either, it was built in Sunderland as is the current model.

The current Micra chassis was developed with Renault, not bought in from them and the only Renault engine used in it is the diesel.

According to the Whatcar survey they are pretty reliable.

Personally I wouldn't have one as they are incredibly dull cars and hideously ugly.

pulliptears

I had infinitely more problems with Fiat than I ever have with Renault.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Mental_Mentor wrote: »

Took it to the dealers and paid £85 for them to hook it up to the diagnostics.

They tell me it is the Cam Chain £960 to repair!!!:eek:

I only paid £2500 for the car. Am gutted! Spent maximum budget on the car and will have to drive round in it for a long time before I can afford to fix it.
:mad:

The last time I had my car on a computer it was at the local indie, who did it for free (I gave him a fiver for a pint).

You have paid £85 for a man to plug a connector in your car, and look at a screen for 30 seconds.

t8769

>The previous Micra wasn't a japanese car either, it was built in Sunderland >as is the current model.

>The current Micra chassis was developed with Renault, not bought in from >them and the only Renault engine used in it is the diesel.


Yes, it was built in sunderland, but to Japanese specs. It was a car of extraordinay quality. I can see old Micras everywhere I go, many of them 10, 15 or 20 years old

How many Italian or French cars do you see of that age.. few. But old Nissan and VWs can be seen everywhere you go.

The Sunderlaond plant produced these for years, but Nissan is no longer run on Japanese standards, I think its boss is French.

I was told by the mechanics at Nissan that many of the parts are Renault, and that my petrol engine was a Renault. Something like going to dine at the Ritz and finding out the cook nipped out to Macdonalds to get the food.

I have read many horror stories on this site. Yes, the sensors have a reputation for failing on the Micra. My door lock died after 9k. My radio died at 8k, my wing mirror fell apart at 7k, and other problems followed.

I had a 15 year old Nissan, there was not a single thing wrong with it, exept the transmition, apart from that, it was basically the same condition as the day it lef the factory.

A friend of mine was driving an 18 year old Micra, until it finally gave way, she drove that every day for 4 yeras without any serious problems.

I keep hearing about people with newish Micras putting in new steering columns, timing chains and now sensors.


I'm just warning people, stay away from this junk, get yourself a good quality car from a good brand, and don't make the mistake I made, in thinking that this was the Nissan of old.

Personally, I think Nissan are commiting business suicide. They spent 20 years building up a reputation, and in a few short years, will trash it. Something Toyota, Honda, VW, or even Ford would not do.

I'm looking to sell this and get something good, but until then its fingers crossed.

Happy driving!

ArsenalFC

I was looking to buy this micra until I read the horror stories from owners with cam chain and other problems. I had the old shape micra year 2000 and it was very reliable as you guys mentioned, but the new one seem to be built on the cheap and have too many problems. The other thing I also noticed was these new shape micras were going for cheaper than the equivilent - ford fiesta, corsa etc......I wonder how many owners are getting rid as its a bad car.

hm71_2

I love my 53 micra, had an r reg one previously that the driveshaft went on and didn't take well to being repaired, it was a sad day when I got rid of the little devil to upgrade to my new baby- hubby bought it for me for xmas 2006 and fingers crossed no problems with it at all- hubby was so impressed with the service standard and reliability of my baby that when it came time this year for his new car he opted for a X-trail. Up untill now he has always driven landrover. so I for one am very proud of my micra and very pleased with it.

goldspanners

a few facts,
renault own 40 odd % of nissan and nissan own about 15% of renault,they share designs across their ranges,but most are renaults in disguise nowadays.

the toyota aygo is not built in france or owned by citroen, the aygo is built in the czech republic and is owned by toyota, citroen c1 and peugeot 107 use the same body and chassis as the aygo and are virtually the same car.but not french by any stretch of the imagination.

lincroft1710

Honda Jazz is built in China, Honda Civic is built in Swindon and I think the old Suzuki Swift was built in Hungary. I see both 20yr old plus Citroen Dyane and 2CV around town. A Renault 11 I once owned was still on the road at 15 yrs old. Plenty of 10 yr old plus Fiat Puntos still around.