1989 Nissan Micra LX Hatchback review from Finland

Reverse light switch didn't work, but it was replaced from the previous owner before purchase.

Worn out door hinge pins replaced, cost of parts 60 EUR.

Oil sensor, oil filter, engine oil and rear suspension replaced at 275000 km, cost of parts and labor 185 EUR.

A burn fuse was the reason why the rear wiper wasn't working. Cost 50 cents.

Clutch will soon need replacement.

Strange sound is coming from the front left suspension on every road bump.

I broke the external radio antenna while screwing it. I replaced it with an internal one for 2 EUR.

After making a third key, I can finally open the boot with it!

The rear wiper motor died 2 days ago. Need to check it.

Door seals are old and dry and road noise is noticeable on speeds higher than 70km/h.

3 years ago I decided to come to Finland for studies. Last winter, my wife and I, decided to buy a small and economic city car. Waiting for the bus in -25C or walking isn't so nice during the long and dark Finnish winters since I was born in Greece. After owning a '00 Seat Ibiza 1,4 Senso for 2 years in my home country, going for an older car wasn't something to get excited about.

We found our 3 door red Nissan Micra from the adds of the local newspaper. It cost only 650 EUR and it had new battery, tires and almost no rust. The engine wasn't burning oil, everything was working (except rear wiper) so after 2 days we got it home.

The car is exactly what you are waiting for. It has space for 4 adults and you sit in an upright position. The view from all the angles of this car is extraordinary and you won't have to turn your head even in parking places. The headrests are adjustable and can be fixed to the perfect position. Only the co-driver's seat moves forward when tilted for rear passengers to enter, but it doesn't return to the same position. Not so many pockets for little objects and the glove compartment fits only the manual, a cassette and my sun glasses (plus extra fuses). Our car came with a green switch next to the hand brake, but nothing happens when you switch it on, which means we don't have heated seats for the winter time.

The boot is small and it doesn't fit much, but for your week's shopping is more than enough.

As for the engine, it's reliable (It has 279000 km on the clock!!), doesn't burn oil even when cold, it starts in a sec during the cold winter mornings and it's a little bit noisy on high revs.

On motorways it's stable on speeds up to 100 km/h. Above that the aerodynamic noises and the tires make driving a too tiring and the radio has to be loud to hear. I guess it's because the tires are for asphalt and snow so they aren't so silent or economic as normal ones.

A full tank of gas has lasted up to 500 km (with economic driving) so I think that for that amount of money you can't possibly find anything better if you are a student or a person needing an everyday tool for his/her job or shopping.

Conclusion: If you need an old car where you can drive it without worries about breaking down, cheap to run and with the cute looks of a Micra then don't think about it twice. You'll never be able to give it away once you fall in love with it!