Nissan Micra Questions

sunshine_diva

Hi,

My partner and I are looking to buy a used car our max budget is £3,500. We just want something small and cheap to insure, will mainly be driving it around town, to work etc with long motorway drives around once a month.

Neither of us know much about cars so i'm just after a bit of advise really. Someone my partner knows advised him to buy Japanese as they are more reliable (any opinions on this?) so we were looking at Nissan Micras but then we came across stuff about a timing chain issue which is apparently a common fault. I can't find any specific detailed info so wondered if anyone could answer my questions?

1) does this problem only affect a certain age of micras? Most info i've found is about 03 models, was this problem fixed in later models?
I've found a 56/2007 model in our price range.

2) I've also found a similar priced diesel model, does a diesel micra have the same issue? Would people recommend getting a diesel, i've only ever had a petrol car before?

3) Or would people recommend abandoning the micra idea all together and looking for something else? If so any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any info

Scuttsy

1) does this problem only affect a certain age of micras? Most info i've found is about 03 models, was this problem fixed in later models?
I've found a 56/2007 model in our price range.

All K12 Micra i.e. bubble shape are fitted with a timing chain. In the vast majority of cases this chain will last a lifetime if the vehicle is serviced regularly, a Micra should be serviced every 9000 miles Or every 12 months WHICHEVER IS SOONEST. So your 56 plate assuming it has been registered in sept 2006 should have been serviced in 2007, 2008, 2009 and is probably due another service assuming milage below 9000 per annum. If it does not have service history stay well clear.

2) I've also found a similar priced diesel model, does a diesel micra have the same issue? Would people recommend getting a diesel, i've only ever had a petrol car before?

The Diesel is fitted with a timing belt not a chain so the problem would not occur. It is also usually cheaper to run in terms of road tax and fuel efficiency but you will probably be paying a premium for the fact it is a diesel.

3) Or would people recommend abandoning the micra idea all together and looking for something else? If so any recommendations?

Stick with a Micra if the service history is OK it is otherwise a very well built, British made, reliable little car.

bigjl

I wouldn't worry about this kind of issue if the car has been well serviced, though the newer Micras don't seem as resilient as the older shape.

The Diesel Micra was slated by some in the motoring press, as being a bit noisy to drive. But the same engine is fitted to my wifes Clio and is is certainly not noisy or rough on tickover.

One thing I have noticed is the Micras seem to less desirable, probably due to not appealing to the young drivers, nobody is going to put big wheels on a Micra.

If given the choice and a budget similar to yours I would try and find the best looked after car I could, don't focus on mileage, just condition and service history.

You could do a lot worse than a 56plate Micra for £3500.

A year ago my wifes Clio, DCi, 5 dr, cost £5700. Probably still worth £5000 now.

slummymummyof3

I have a 54 reg diesel micra (replaced my very uneconomical petrol vectra) and have been really impressed. Averages 68mpg, is a 1.5dci and it accelerates well, is really spacious (quite suprisingly) I was suprised at the road tax though (£130 p.a. - had thought it might fall in to the £35 p.a. bracket but it doesn't)

Mine now has nearly 90k on the clock.

bagby

orange light on my micra checked and it is the timing chain - approx repair cost £400 05 reg and been serviced regularly. no other probs with it. garage said chain stretched which misaligns the engine then the orange light detects engine malfunction