Should I fix my 17 year old car?

reeac

My neighbour had an old Micra which looked good but then major rust emerged in the bodywork below the windscreen. This could be a design flaw. Check this area...if ok the do the stated repairs and keep.

Jonesya

Assuming it lasts another 12 months with no more work - it's only £42 a month, pretty low cost motoring.

facade

The k11 micra was one of the last cars Nissan made that weren't put together "on the cheap" using parts that were just about "good enough" to get it off the dealer's forecourt. (mainly Renault cast-offs)

The main problem is rust, Sunderland weren't that handy with the rust proofer compared to say Toyota of that era.

First the front subframe goes, which is replaceable if you can source a good one at the right price, then the front wings go round the arches (bolt on I believe) and then the body starts to go, as reeac says, visible below the windscreen.


Provided rust hasn't got into the bodyshell proper, I'd say pay the £500.
You would be very lucky indeed to replace it with a car that only costs you £500 and lasts a couple of years, then there is the insurance fee to change over, the rip off where you have to pay double VED unless you get rid of yours on the last day of the month and buy the new one on the 1st, these little things that you don't think of add up.

Joshua_Nkomo

If it's rust rid or at a push plan to get rid in next 12 months. If it just needs service parts then I would probably have it done.

Richard53

If £500 gets you a reliable car that will last you another 12 months, that's what you need to have in mind. The car's nominal market value is irrelevant to you. It's how much it is worth to you that is important. As said above £500 for a year's motoring is a good deal.

khw05

Thanks everyone for the advice. I’ll have a chat with the mechanic about rust and if anything else is flagging up and decide from there. Hopefully in another year I’ll be able to afford something newer

ritesh

I have had my trusty Nissan Almera 1.4 si since nearly new (1998). It is still going strong and is now our work horse. After owning it for 18 years it has a 193400 miles on the clock.

With regards to the normal wear and tear items required to be changed (which is true of every car) it has only ever needed a couple of rust areas to be resolved. The wings are showing signs of rust but can be easily replaced.

I took it on a 360 mile round trip to Cardiff recently and drove very well and only used just over half a tank of petrol.

Overall I am happy to keep the car going as I know the history and am confident it will last a few more years (I keep saying one more year and I'll get rid).

facade

The Almera and Micra of that age are the cars that got Nissan a good reputation. They really don't make 'em like that any more unfortunately, as people who have finally replaced 20 year old Almeras and micras with the latest offerings have found out.