first post! thinking of possible getting a micra..some info/advice pls...

[fabchef]

Hi everyone, fab here. recently i've been looking around at getting a second, summer/fun car. i'm really interested in these smaller cars. i've been considering a fiat 500, as it has a cool style. From what i heard, they seem to be okay, but do suffer some suspension issues.

i then came onto the micra. i find that it's a cool looking car, and seems fun to drive (from reviews), i assume good on gas (prices will go up in the coming years).

in general are they reliable cars (engine wise)? i would most likely get a manual transmission, as for a small car i think it would be more fun to drive, plus would get more out of the engine?

does it take regular or premium fuel? (i know the fiat takes premium)?

as far as trim levels go...does top trim come with leather seats? A/C?

in terms of mods....are there any out there for this car? any cold air intakes? if any of you have done mods, what have you noticed helped?

in terms of body pannels, do they tend to rust quickly (we got salty roads here in winter)?

can it hold a family of 4 (2 young children below 13) comfortably? (i do know fiat is tight in the back).

thanks
fabs

[NBGuy89]

All Micra's are powered by a 1.6L DOHC engine, they tend to not like extreme cold so a block heater is a plus for these cars, as for trims the Micra comes as the S, SV and the SR none of which has leather upholstry they only have different fabrics. here are the main difference on the trims.

Micra S: The only trim that comes with a manual transmission, but is almost a barebone car, no A/C no cruise control no power window (you get an old school crank) no power mirror, you do get a backup camera (depending on the year I think 2017 till 2019 as them), 2 way seats and 15'' steelies.
It does have the option for an automatic transmission and comes with cruise and AC.

Micra SV: Automatic transmission, better seat fabric, cruise, AC, power windows and mirrors, 6 position driver seat with armrest (S model seat does not have an armrest), backup camera and if the style package was applied it comes with a rear spoiler and 15 inch alloy wheels.

Micra SR: Automatic transmission only (I seen a few rare manual SR's) 16'' alloy wheels, even better seat fabric, all the option of the SV plus fog lights, side skirts, chrome trim and rear spoiler.

As for the body panels, as long as you have it undercoated properly for winter and cleaning it regularly, rust and corrosion won't be an issue, where I live (Moncton NB) they spray a brine on the roads for winter and undercoating is almost a must for that kind of salt.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other question on the Micra.

[fabchef]

NBguy, thanks for getting back to me. I did a search on a couple Canadian site, and found that it does come in manual transmission on all trims?
I think the SR would be the trim i would look for.
In terms of engine, do you find it's peppy enough? I know off the bat it's got about 8hp more than fiat, pretty good! Has yours been reliable? Any issues?
Does it have a timing belt or chain?
Thanks
Fab

[JOEMAMA]

It depends on the year you’re looking for. From 2015-2018, you could get a manual in upper trims. In 2019, you could not. Everything above the S is only available with an automatic for 2019.

For this reason, I picked up a used 2017 SV with a manual because I didn’t want the automatic. There are tons of lightly used low mileage Micras out there and some are priced really well!

[MetroMPG]

I think the SR would be the trim i would look for.

Note: Mechanically, all trims are identical in terms of mechanicals: drivetrain, suspension, brakes, etc. The SR had different wheels/tires, and a factory "body kit" (side skirts, fog lights, rear spoiler which is also on the SV).

The SV/SR have better (more comfortable) seats than the S: 6-way adjustment vs. 4-way adjustment.

Does it have a timing belt or chain?

Chain.
Thread: Micra 1.6L: timing belt or chain? Interference engine? HR16DE

[Vaszya]

Welcome!

Owning both a 2019 Micra S & 2012 500 sport (both with a manual gearbox)... I have to say each are absolutely fun cars for their own reasons!

You can run regular gas with no issues in a non-turbo 500. It is premium 'recommended' but not necessary. If you get the turbo, premium fuel is absolutely required. In terms of absolute 'smiles per gallon', both the 500 turbo & non-turbo win hands down.

Pros for the Micra: Simple, fun, cheap, more reliable & utilitarian & if you can find aftermarket parts... it's a rare care to modify. It's also the most 'stable' car out of the two. Cons for the Micra: Extremely susceptible to crosswinds, gearing is way off (too long in 1st & too short in 5th).

Pros for the Fiat: Also cheap, insanely fun to drive (Don't get an automatic), 4 wheel discs, charm and surprisingly spacious inside, more fun to drive than Micra, more airbags, chassis feels more solid than Micra, lively engine & better gearing. Cons to the Fiat: Not an ideal primary car... too many small & cheap things that go wrong, has a timing belt, holds less people than Micra but back seats in a Fiat are perfectly fine for two small-ish people, no rear-swaybar in a non-Abarth model.

Would I sell my Micra? Absolutely not! It is the better 'all-arounder' & does it perfectly. In terms of 'pure' driver's enjoyment factor, 500 Turbo or Abarth win hands down.

[Plutus]

No problems starting at extreme cold (-42) last winter. Mine is always parked outside never had starting issue.

[StephanieNoelle]

I won my 2015 Micra! Was never interested in little cars but decided to keep it as I had a big truck and kids to drive around. I really liked it. Very peppie in town AND highway! I thought I would not take it on highway but it is such a comfortable car and guts when needed. Easy getting in and out not low to the ground and lost of leg room. Back seat is not the most comfortable but would be great for kids. Love the hatchback! It never minded the winter, never had a problem starting in cold winter. I do not love it in the winter for driving, fine intown but I dont go far with it on highway in winter. I am having a issue atm with lights coming on on its own without keys and dial turned off and a noice so I am looking into this atm...electrical issue I guess. It has 93000 km

[fabchef]

Good to know. I too was taken a back with the cold starting.
As far as driving habits/conditions... i know it's a smaller car, but does it feel light/flimsy on the road? Do crosswinds/ big trucks passing you make the car squirrelly? Tossed around?
Thanks
FAb

[Plutus]

Here you can find some answers to your questions.

https://micra-forum.com/showthread.p...ew-of-my-Micra