Nissan Micra K12

The third-generation Nissan Micra debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2002. Silhouette leaves no doubt - this car is designed with an eye on the fair sex.

Model history

The third-generation Nissan Micra debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2002. Silhouette leaves no doubt - this car is designed with an eye on the fair sex. Three years later, the model survived facelift. The changes occurred mainly in the front: retouched bumper and headlights, and direction indicators changed color - from orange to white. The rear bumper was decorated with a decorative strip.

However, Nissan was not satisfied with the results of the update and so in 2007, it conducted another restyling. This time, only the most meticulous person would notice the changes. The most obvious innovation is the radiator grille.

A year later, a special version was presented, created in honor of the 25th anniversary of the model’s production. And in 2010, the next fourth generation of Micro appeared in salons.

Engines

Gasoline engine with a working volume of 1.4 liters. The gasoline engines that Mikra got are very successful. The best choice will be a 1.4-liter engine. It is quite economical, practically does not break down and provides quite decent dynamics. Do not consider instances with a smaller volume - 1.0 and 1.2 liters. 1-liter unit is too sluggish, and 1.2 liters consumes the same fuel as the 1.4-liter, but at the same time less dynamic. 1.6-liter atmospheric, like the 1.4-liter, has a high service life. The only small drawback is fuel consumption, sometimes reaching 9-10 l / 100 km. Of course, if you very carefully handle the gas pedal, then the appetite is sharply reduced. All gasoline engines have a design typical of Nissan, which is characterized by high reliability and durability. Adjustment of the valve gap is mechanical, and the valve timing drive is chain. As a rule, the weather system does not require attention, but sometimes owners after 200-300 thousand km notice extraneous noise. Mechanics diagnose wear of the HRM chain. In some cases, the chain tensioner is handed over much earlier. Problems with HRM were characteristic mainly for individual instances with a 1.2-liter engine of the initial production period. The cost of replacing the HRM chain is about 200-300 dollars. There's a diesel in the range. This is the famous 1.5 dCi manufactured by Renault. The French unit has a belt-driven valve timing and hydraulic valve gap compensators. Many people probably think that the diesel engine in such a small car is a real misunderstanding, because gasoline engines are quite economical.

Design features

The car was offered in three body options: 3- and 5-door hatchback, convertible with a hard folding top. The latest version was assembled exclusively at the German Karmann plant. The remaining modifications were made in Japan and England (for the European market).

It is hard to believe, but K12 is shorter than K11 by 1 cm, but wider and higher by 7 and 12 cm, respectively.

Like most of the segment's competitors, the small car has front-wheel drive. There are two boxes: 5-speed mechanical or 4-speed automatic. The transmissions are quite reliable and there are no complaints about them.

On the front axle of the little Japanese mounted struts McPherson, and behind - a twisting beam. These are simple, reliable and cheap to operate solutions.

In the crash tests EuroNCAP Nissan Mikra K12 earned 4 stars.

Typical malfunctions

The most sore spot of this model is the electric power steering. Not only is it not eternal, but it is also made in the assembly with a steering column. It may take up to $500 to repair it. The cost of a used steering column with a built-in electric amplifier is at least $ 200. The steering column with built-in electric amplifier is the most important miscalculation of Nissan engineers. Some of the suspension elements are also unstable: stabilizer racks, steering tips and silenth-blocks of levers. The upper bearings also wear out quite quickly. Many of the chassis elements are borrowed from the Renault Clio III, making parts cheap and easily available. The average life of the front lever is about 100,000 km. The ball supports can be replaced separately. Some owners complain about the too loud work of the rear suspension. The cause of knocking should be sought in the rubber bushes of the lower support of shock absorbers and Silent blocks of the beam. The shock absorbers and bearings of the rear wheels are quite durable. A faulty ignition lock (key snags in the start position) quickly kills the starter. Lambda probe, trunk door lock and electric windows - also do not belong to durable components. In addition, from time to time there are errors in the airbag control system or moisture is detected in the connector of the taillight contacts. The ignition lock can jam in the "start" position, and ...

A fast corrosive exhaust system is a typical problem of this model. However, the defect is typical for many cars operated mainly in the city.

Specifications of Nissan Micra K12

Dynamic characteristics (producer data)

Engines

• It is quite economical, practically does not break down and provides quite decent dynamics.
• As a rule, the weather system does not require attention, but sometimes owners after 200-300 thousand km notice extraneous noise. Mechanics diagnose wear of the HRM chain.
• Problems with HRM were characteristic mainly for individual instances with a 1.2-liter engine of the initial production period.
• Problems with the manual transmission were found only in diesel modifications.
• Regardless of which engine you choose, you need to carefully inspect the car from below for oil leaks.
• In addition, sometimes the sensors of the position of the crankshaft and camshaft fail.

Typical malfunctions

• It may take up to $500 to repair it.
• The cause of knocking should be sought in the rubber bushes of the lower support of shock absorbers and Silent blocks of the beam.
• A fast corrosive exhaust system is a typical problem of this model.
• Fortunately, the body of the car is well protected and is not prone to corrosion.
• Surface rust on the elements of the exhaust system for a long time remains “benign”.
• Not different wear resistance and interior, especially upholstery seats and braiding steering.
• This means that the battery in the remote control should be replaced as soon as possible.
• In some cases, the immobilizer may lose the key - in this case, you will need the help of a dealer.

The Nissan Micra K12 has its own unique style that cannot be confused with any other. The car fits into the flow very easily, especially in large metropolises. Its advantages: active headrests, high durability of gasoline engines, a stylish clothes box under the front passenger seat, an adjustable rear sofa and decent dynamics with “large” engines.

But there are disadvantages: poor noise insulation, mediocre driving performance, the high cost of some spare parts, a medium interior, poorly profiled seats and problems of copies of the first years of production.

Contrary to popular belief, replacing lamps in headlights is not so difficult. You need to unscrew the screws and move the body a little.

Despite the large list of possible malfunctions, the third generation Nissan Mikra is considered a reliable car with low operating costs. That's why he's attracted to men. However, in terms of reliability, it is not comparable to its predecessor.

• Model history: The third-generation Nissan Micra debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2002.
• Engines: It is quite economical, practically does not break down and provides quite decent dynamics.
• Design features: The car was offered in three body options: 3- and 5-door hatchback, convertible with a hard folding top.
• Typical malfunctions: It can take up to $500 to repair it.
• Specifications Nissan Micra K12: Dynamic characteristics (manufacturer data)

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.