1998 Nissan Micra Reviews

Very little has gone wrong with this car. Basic wear and tear stuff i.e. tyres, brakes have been changed. More long term issues are now starting to emerge i.e. rust in some areas. I have also had some slight issues with the spark plugs and some other minor electrical faults, all easily corrected.

Both the interior and exterior are starting to look a bit tired, but really they weren't a work of art when it rolled off the production line.

There's very little I'd change on this car. Personally if I was going to buy another one, I'd buy a model with power steering, as without it's surprisingly heavy. This combined with very small wing mirrors makes slow speed manoeuvres a bit tricky. I'd also buy one with a slightly larger engine, as I could occasionally do with a bit more grunt that just isn't there. But that's it.

It's not an amazing car, but it has a lot of character. I've done a lot of long distance road trips with friends in it, and they all love it. For a small car, it utilises its internal space very well. Its economy is amazing; I managed to drive to the west coast of Wales from Birmingham and back, all on one tank with three passengers.

Basically, treat it well and it'll always bring you home.

P.s. don't try a handbrake turn in it, you'll just embarrass yourself ;)

I have had no major problems with this vehicle, the tracking has had to be re-aligned recently, but can't grumble - only expected due to age and usage.

A very reliable little motor, nippy around town.

Economical on fuel, roughly 48 miles to the gallon.

Still drives the same as the day it was purchased, not too good on mountain bends due to the lack of power steering.

Mine has travelled across the UK and Ireland this year without a hitch.

The interior is very basic, but is tidy and easily maintained. Not much room for passengers with long legs, this is bearable though so I am told.

Nothing.

Good cheap to run, little car I average 39mpg which is good being a student its nippy as I've had 120mph out of it (yes no lies 120mph).

I believe the car's sub frame is based off the old mini so it does handle quiet well (as long as it has been lowered over wise it jumps all over), and for noise, an induction kit or exhaust gives it a nice tone.

I have had no problems with it and can't say anything bad about it.

It still has the original exhaust on (now that's build quality)

Slight transmission leak.

Faulty cassette player screen, seems to be cured now.

Rattling of back speakers.

Gear lever rattling.

Stiff sunroof.

Nothing mechanically, so far a reliable runabout.

The car has very good acceleration, I also have a Mazda 1999 323F 1.5GXi. The micra is on par with it for acceleration, but the Mazda is a bigger and heavier car with only 200cc more, so I guess this is expected.

Fuel economy is very good rather than outstanding. If you drive it hard, it uses a lot more fuel.

Cramped for long journeys for anyone over 5ft 10.

Seats are flecked in a rather gruesome pinky-red with grey.

Styling is not particularly great, but Nissans never have made particularly good looking cars until 2003.

Steering is light and it is very easy to drive.

Engine is very noisy and not at all smooth (1998onward models are much better).

Top speed of 104mph is good for a small car.

Petrol warning light-does anyone know if it should have one?

This is the last of the 'SLX' models before the faceflift (it then became 1.3SE), they stopped on 1998/R plate, which is ours, but overall the car is very good. One impressive thing is the way the central locking can be activated from either front doors and when unlocking the doors, the interior light comes on before even opening the doors. The Mazda has this, but it is unusual on a small car (Toyota Yaris doesn't have this feature.)

The Mazda is a better car to drive and is better all round, but as a small cheap car, look past the styling and few cars can better this Japanese gem. I guess I should be comparing it to a Peugeot 106, not a Mazda 323F as it is in a different class, but I have been impressed with the car, if only it drove as nicely as a Clio.