Used car check Nissan Micra 4th generation

F great handshake, alert look, fresh coffee in the cup. The used car check in Mittweida in Saxony starts as usual: professionally and in a good mood. After a few seconds, Master Wünsch has the test candidate in his sights - a black Nissan Micra built in 2014. In three years, his 1.2-liter petrol engine with 98 hp has clocked up just 20,652 kilometers.

“That's a lot little, either the previous owner was already mature, or the Nissan ran as a second car, ”speculates Master Wünsch and kneels in front of the front of the Micra, pressing here and there against the large bumper that frames the entire radiator grille. “Such a fat part brings a lot of headaches with the gaps in the hood and the fenders - a little parking bump is usually enough and the impression of a badly repaired accident damage arises,” explains Master Wünsch, driving over the mentioned ones in slow motion Column. He doesn't find anything that displeases him. So he starts his routine body check and scans the tin of the little Nissan. The perfect time to quickly fly through the history of the Micra. In 1982, as mentioned, the small car came onto the market with us. That was in December. And under the name Datsun Micra. Shortly afterwards, Nissan decided to discontinue the Datsun brand.

Incidentally, the Micra models for the European market came from the Nissan plant in Spain. At first only as a two-door, later also with four doors.

Five generations - few problem areas

With the exception of a convertible roof version (2005 to 2009), no experiments were carried out with the Micra. For a long time, Nissan also ignored the current fashion of growing models. At least up to the fifth generation, which appeared in March 2017 and is much more spacious than all Micra before.

'What a shame', Master Wünsch intervenes. “I'm not a fan of it, a small car doesn't have to be four meters long. It doesn't really bring any advantages in the city, where every inch of the search for a parking space has long been a concern. 'He is standing at the level of the driver's door and has the service booklet in his hand:' Exemplarily stamped. '

' The Apart from two small dents, the body shows no damage - the windshield no stone chips. The window seals are free of moss, which suggests that this little car mostly sleeps in a garageMaster Wünsch looks satisfied and asks: 'Ready for a test drive?'

Ten minutes later, the three-cylinder purrs towards the exit sign. The 142 Nm torque suits the 1.2 liter heart well, thanks to the flange-mounted compressor. In around eleven seconds, the petrol engine pulls the Micra from standstill to 100 km /h - and also impresses when pulling through. The five-speed gearbox doesn't have to be tried very often.

Master Wünsch nevertheless switches through several times to check the ease of movement and the clutch. On bad road surfaces, he listens very carefully to identify damage to the chassis and steering. Nothing. The Micra seems to be in good shape. Just like its interior. There is no exuberant luxury to be found, but the workmanship on offer suits a small car. Functional and clear. With practical helpers such as air conditioning, rain sensor, cruise control, hands-free kit, rear parking aid and even a small navigation system.

Tired of tie rod ends? Broken springs?

Master Wünsch is delighted: “Nothing is missing.” And adds: “Now let's see what the gem looks like from below.” Before he rolls the Nissan onto the lift, let's go to the brake tester. Here he can check how forcefully the Nissan brakes grip - and whether they do it evenly. “They do it,” calls the foreman and lets the Nissan float up on the stage.

Dani Heyne

Leak? The engine and gearbox shouldn't 'sweat', because the environment doesn't get any good.

Halfway up he checks the thickness of the Brake pads that shouldn't be worn out at the mileage. They are not either. The suspension springs and axle boots also make an excellent impression.

Next, the foreman inspects the tie rod ends for wear. “Increased play in the steering would be a sign of this.” Not so in this case. In addition, the oil pan of the small three-cylinder does not sweat.

In general, the Nissan Micra has no typical problem areas, such as rattling timing chains, rusting exhaust systems or undersized onesAxle suspensions.

“Most of the problems with the Micra fall under the category of 'normal wear and tear'. The repairs are kept within a reasonable price, 'explains the foreman, pointing to the brake and fuel lines:' They are well laid and partially encased in plastic, so rust doesn't stand a chance.

That's where we have it Often completely different small cars from VW and Opel visit the workshop, which are not so fit, but cost a lot more. ”

Master Wünsch's conclusion today is therefore:“ The Nissan Micra is comparatively inconspicuous , but a reliable guy who has a long life ahead of him with a little care. ”

That leaves us with a look at the used car prices of the Nissan Micra: two-year-old models with around 15,000 kilometers on the clock don't start with times 7,000 euros. Seat heating and GPS included, but with 'only' 80 HP under the hood. Should it be the supercharged version with 98 hp - as presented here - models from 2014 (with around 20,000 kilometers) start at just under 9,000 euros. These mostly have high-quality equipment.