1988 Nissan Micra GSX review from UK and Ireland

Scored brake discs.

Broken rear-heated screen.

Electrical fault which caused the lights on the in-car stereo to remain on even when the engine was off (solved by replacing the radio system).

Hole in the front section of her exhaust (at 117000 miles)

New ignition system/starter motor at 112,000 miles - starter still noisy.

Wheels recently re-balanced (mainly due to speed bumps!)

To date repairs have been mainly general wear and tear - fuel filter, points, plugs, leads, distributor cap, brake pads and discs, tyres etc.

Not as nippy as she once was, but extremely fuel economic (Edinburgh and back on a half tank of petrol).

Never had any problems taking her long-distance or on motorways, though she was designed as an about town car, though the ride is resultantly noisy due to her age. Top speed of 100mph is now well out of her range, but can do 75-80mph which is enough to allow for some security when overtaking.

Intuitive to drive, good driving position even for the tall driver (like me) positive gear changes, easy to manoeuvre and park, good all round vision. Roomier than expected for a car in her class.

Most faults can be put down to age! Doesn't like the cold and wet, but what car (or indeed person!) does.

Bodywork still solid and not rusting severely. I've had two mechanics tell me that with the Micra, it is usually not any mechanical fault that gets them in the end, it's a failure of their bodywork. They were built to run and run and run and my car has definitely done that.

I will more than sad when the time comes to say goodbye - she's been with me 2.5 fantastic years and I passed my test in her so...