Will an automatic Nissan Micra suit me?

Hi, can you tell me is a 2007 Nissan Micra Sport 1.2-litre automatic good for long journeys? I go to visit my mother twice a week she lives 50 miles away; the rest of the days are just normal school runs etc.

Thank you, Paula

Paula Fanning (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: automatic

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Expert answer

Hi Paula,

Yup, you're onto a winner there. A lot of motoring writers get a bit sniffy about the Nissan Micra, but actually it's a car with which there is very little wrong. That third generation model that you're talking about is actually probably the best one of all, with a nice, comfy, spacious interior, a peppy little 1.2-litre engine and a chassis that's actually more entertaining to drive than you would think. Of course, the automatic gearbox will sap a little bit of power, but as long as you're not entering any traffic light Grands Prix, you'll be fine. Reliability simply shouldn't be an issue as the Micra has always been conspicuously well built. Just check carefully to make sure it's been serviced regularly and that the oil for the automatic gearbox has been changed regularly too.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe