Discussion
Well.... we have one - a 2005 K12 1.2 petrol
Where to start?....
Overall we are pretty happy with it!
Its been mechanically very reliable
Issues we have had:
- Heater matrix had to be replaced
- Boot switch broke (this is a micro switch within the boot handle, it is the only way to open the boot (no key). The handle leaks directly onto the switch.... hence it fails and randomly unlocks the boot when driving. Never sprung open but just unlocked itself. The switch is about £70 + VAT from Nissan. I got one from Maplin for £1.25 and modified the handle to fit)
- Unusually for a japanese car we have a front main oil seal leak, only minor and very very small. Probably top up the oil once every 2-3 months so it really is minor
- It is a 1.2 and it is sloooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! (in my opinion though! will sit at 70mph on motorway fine)
- Clutch release bearing is noisy but not a problem, sounds like chewbacca! which is amusing.
- Battery fuse corroded. There is a fuse actually attached to the positive battery terminal a whopping 80 amp or something. This corrodes and isolates power to the engine.... easy fix though (about £30)
- Changing the spark plugs is a pain in the ass, buried underneath the airbox which is held in place with plastic captive nuts that break as soon as you show them a spanner
- Petrol tank is annoyingly small (£40 to brim it!)
Other known issues:
- Timing chains known to stretch (expensive to fix), probably sorted on most models by now.
- Its a japanese car, made in Sunderland with French electrics.....
- recent recall for "loose steering wheel nut", even ours got recalled last year at aged 8 years old (it was fine)
Dont let it put you off too much though, many many many worse cars out there and it does have some redeeming features:
Good points:
- 45 mpg all day every day on petrol
- we are on 103000 (05 plate) and still seems happy
- they look ok compared to similar cars in the price range
- It is a reliable little car
- they are getting cheap now
- easy to park
- missus loves it
- reasonably comfortable
- despite being fairly modern, surprisingly easy to work on (i do all servicing myself)
- nice quite cabin when driving
You can pick a good un up for under £1k easily now
If i were looking for a small cheap run around then it would still be on my list to look at :-)
Hope this helps
Where to start?....
Overall we are pretty happy with it!
Its been mechanically very reliable
Issues we have had:
- Heater matrix had to be replaced
- Boot switch broke (this is a micro switch within the boot handle, it is the only way to open the boot (no key). The handle leaks directly onto the switch.... hence it fails and randomly unlocks the boot when driving. Never sprung open but just unlocked itself. The switch is about £70 + VAT from Nissan. I got one from Maplin for £1.25 and modified the handle to fit)
- Unusually for a japanese car we have a front main oil seal leak, only minor and very very small. Probably top up the oil once every 2-3 months so it really is minor
- It is a 1.2 and it is sloooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! (in my opinion though! will sit at 70mph on motorway fine)
- Clutch release bearing is noisy but not a problem, sounds like chewbacca! which is amusing.
- Battery fuse corroded. There is a fuse actually attached to the positive battery terminal a whopping 80 amp or something. This corrodes and isolates power to the engine.... easy fix though (about £30)
- Changing the spark plugs is a pain in the ass, buried underneath the airbox which is held in place with plastic captive nuts that break as soon as you show them a spanner
- Petrol tank is annoyingly small (£40 to brim it!)
Other known issues:
- Timing chains known to stretch (expensive to fix), probably sorted on most models by now.
- Its a japanese car, made in Sunderland with French electrics.....
- recent recall for "loose steering wheel nut", even ours got recalled last year at aged 8 years old (it was fine)
Dont let it put you off too much though, many many many worse cars out there and it does have some redeeming features:
Good points:
- 45 mpg all day every day on petrol
- we are on 103000 (05 plate) and still seems happy
- they look ok compared to similar cars in the price range
- It is a reliable little car
- they are getting cheap now
- easy to park
- missus loves it
- reasonably comfortable
- despite being fairly modern, surprisingly easy to work on (i do all servicing myself)
- nice quite cabin when driving
You can pick a good un up for under £1k easily now
If i were looking for a small cheap run around then it would still be on my list to look at :-)
Hope this helps
Edited by haddock82 on Thursday 24th July 22:19
i'm no micra expert (infact far from it)
my sister has had a k12 micra for a few years now and she loves it. it's been subject of a few recalls but other than a rattly heat shield its had no issues.
its an 05 plate 1.2 around 70k miles
feels solid enough and i personally think its pretty nippy and happy at 70mph. brakes can feel a bit spongy if youve been driving more modern metal
my sister has had a k12 micra for a few years now and she loves it. it's been subject of a few recalls but other than a rattly heat shield its had no issues.
its an 05 plate 1.2 around 70k miles
feels solid enough and i personally think its pretty nippy and happy at 70mph. brakes can feel a bit spongy if youve been driving more modern metal
As has been said K11 over the K12...I run a 2002 1.0L Twister for two and a half years as my daily brilliant little car cheap as chips to run, everything you need to know here - http://www.micra.org.uk/forums/k11-general-discuss... - very friendly forum the members are only too happy to help.
There are loads for sale on Gumtree.
Condition is everything...check for rust on front cross member and sills.
Mechanically engines are bullet proof with regular oil changes, gear linkages get stiff a simple strip down and grease fixes that, I did find changing the gearbox oil also helped the gear change.
I miss mine...
There are loads for sale on Gumtree.
Condition is everything...check for rust on front cross member and sills.
Mechanically engines are bullet proof with regular oil changes, gear linkages get stiff a simple strip down and grease fixes that, I did find changing the gearbox oil also helped the gear change.
I miss mine...
Edited by Klippie on Friday 25th July 21:05
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