Micra review: Oh, Lola we're finally together

[Big black bear]

Hello everyone,
I'll start by thanking Darin and Tim for this website.
It's a goldmine. And well laid out and straightforward.
I may not be the sharpest when it comes to learn my way around a forum.
You guys just made it easier. Thank you.

And here comes my review:
First of all it's my personal opinion about Lola.
And it's very subjective, of course.
Do I like my Micra? Yes.
Is it a perfect car? Yes, for the price I'm paying.
I just drove my first 1000 kms and about 70% was city driving in Calgary AB.
And 30% highway driving between High River AB and Calgary AB.
I'm impressed with:
Fuel mileage compared with an 1989 Pontiac Bonneville and a 2012 Ford Fusion.
Traffic light quick starts due to a decent power/weight ratio.
A calm and composed demeanor on city streets up to 60 kms/h.
Great cargo capacity with the back seats removed.
And the FUN factor that's going sky high. No regrets at all for buying my Lola.
I'm less impressed with:
Noise at highway speed (3000 RPM and around 112 kms/h)
and my sweet mermaid becomes a screaming Banshee.
The OEM Firestone tires are not helping. Highway 2 in AB is also not the greatest.
Actually it's really badly made. And the car sound proofing is non existent. Oh, well.
There are some other things to mention , but overall I'm happy so far.
And I'll make some changes ASAP regarding the noise and the tires.
I regret there is no race track in AB. You guys in ON & QC are so lucky.
If there are any questions, suggestions or comments regarding my review. please let me know.
Thank you.
Big black bear and Alberta Micra owner.

[MetroMPG]

Somehow I missed this thread. I wish more owners would post mini reviews after 6 months 1 year, 2 years etc. It's a great resource for other people researching the Micra.

What didn't you like about the factory tires??

[Big black bear]

Hello guys,
Firestone FR710 are made with a hard rubber compound, to last longer.
They don't last that long anyway and are noisier than let say a Michelin tire.
And there is this ugly, massive gap in the wheel well.
I would like to change them with Falken tires in 195/65/R15 asap.
Or Falken in 205/55/R16 on SR alloy wheels if I can find them in bronze.
I expect than a taller sidewall and a softer rubber will improve comfort a little.
Tinting is the next step to be done when I return to Calgary in about 2 weeks.
Calgary will get a race track this summer after a 9 years hiatus.
It's a 25 millions CAD private project. I'm very curious to see if it's available for everyone.
For a fee, of course.
I'll get some more pics when Lola gets her tint and a cargo mat behind the front seats.
Best wishes to all.
Big black bear and Alberta Micra owner.

[Big black bear]

I only drove around 8000 kms due to the nature of my occupation.
I drive a big rig for a living year round up to a quarter million kms.
Lola usually stays parked waiting for my weekly return home.
I changed the Firestone tires after the first winter with CT WinterTreak Snow tires 15 inches.
There a significant difference in traction and even the noise is lower. The rubber is softer.
The Firestone tires are in the storage right now.
Every 6 months an oil change and an inspection is done at the Nissan dealership that sold the car new.
No issues so far. Except the battery is not charged properly. The car it's driven only about 2 hours per week.
I let 5 of my friends drive my car and they all like it a lot. All 5 are big rigs commercial drivers.
I have no regrets buying it. I would buy it again if needed.
The only complaint:
Speed bumps. I need to cross over them at very low speed. Otherwise it scrapes the muffler.
I do mostly city driving at speeds between 60 to 80 kms/h. Rarely 100 kms/h.
Fuel mileage varies. Average to date is 8L/100 kms. Blame it on my right foot.
I hold on tinting because of Manitoba restrictive laws. I wanted to be able to do cross Canada driving.
I may forget about MB and just do it anyway. I pay 1165 CAD yearly insurance with TD.
It's Alberta, remember it. It's not cheaper here. If anyone has any questions, please let me know.
By the way, NO. She is NOT for sale. Sorry. LOL...

[MetroMPG]

Nice review!

With so little driving of your personal car, what was your last one & how many km on it when you got rid of it?

How long do you figure you'll keep Lola?

[Big black bear]

The last one was a blue Bonneville 1989. Donated at around 200.000 kms, in 2003.
Lola was purchased new from a Calgary Nissan dealer with about 20 kms on her odometer.
I use 'her', because she is my Black Mexican girlfriend. That has a little Japanese heritage.
I bought her on 02.28.2020. I never had a car before Lola in the last 18 years,
because I was busy with the commercial driving.
I don't like to sell property because I become easily emotionally attached.
I just want to keep her as long as I can. She makes me happy, so far.

[GreatWhite]

You have a good review there BigBear. Our 2015 we bought in 2016 has been great. Virtually no mechanical problems thus far with 83K on the clock. Just an ECU update was needed to correct the MAF sensor codes popping up (P101) and that is about it. We run All Weather tires that are OK all year long, just a bit noisier.
It could use some sound deadning but I am just to lazy to do it as our highway vehicle is a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Autobahn that has sound deadning.

[Big black bear]

Lola left me due to irreconcilable differences.
Her hot temperament prone to getting me into a lot of trouble.
I will always love her with all my heart and I'll cherish our good moments together.
Maybe a new K14 or K15 will be available in the future in NA.
I'm wishing the best to all Micra owners and to this forum owners.
Cheers

[patty]

So sorry, Big black bear. My micra and I are entering Year 9 of our relationship and all is still good.

[MrMicra2015]

safe travels BBB ..... in whatever it is!