Nissan Micra For Sale

Why buy one?

There's a sense of fun about a used Nissan Micra which is missing from many superminis. It looks cute and drives well.

Build quality is impressive and all models come with plenty of equipment. Safety kit in particular is plentiful compared with many superminis'.

Running costs are low, with some cars falling as low as group 2 for insurance. It won't cost too much to buy, either.

That's also true of the Micra C+C, which is one of the cheapest ways to own a folding metal hard-top car.

Why think twice?

If you want a supermini with plenty of space in the back, you may be better off with a Vauxhall Corsa. Boot space isn't great, either, although there's enough room for a pushchair and a few bags of shopping.

Diesel models are economical, but the engines are disappointingly noisy.

How safe?

The Micra was one of the first superminis to come with side airbags as standard on all versions. When crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2003, the Micra scored four out of five for occupant protection.

What might go wrong?

A used Micra shouldn't give major trouble. However, finishing 65th out of 101 cars in the 2009 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey isn't especially impressive.

What do the experts say?

'Funky and cheap to buy and run, but the pocket-sized feel that makes it good in some ways lets it down in others.' What Car?

Anything else I should know?

Like the look of a second-hand Micra but need more space? Take a look at the Nissan Note.

Which one should I buy?

• Greenest? Micra 1.5 dCi
• Fastest? Micra 160 SR
• Best? Micra 1.2 Acenta