Nissan1992–2021 Critical issues documented

Nissan Micra K13: common faults & what to check

The K13 is the Nissan Micra built 2010–2018. It was sold here with the 1.2 petrol. Of the 22 faults documented for the Micra, 3 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Nissan Micra

Odometer history
Money owing
Reported stolen
Ownership history

Official NZ vehicle register data
NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$400–$1,800

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the K13 · 1.2 petrol

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

Nissan Micra, K13 (2010–2018) (KickTyres illustration)

2010–2018K13 Selected2010–2018K131.2 petrolPetrolDocumented issues3 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it?

1.2 petrol· 1.2 litre petrol

A 2012 Nissan Micra is the K13 generation (2010 to 2018).

Start your free check on this Nissan Micra

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Nissan Micra K13

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Micra · 2012

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Nissan Micra before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Common issue
Drive over a rough street and listen for front-end knocks.
See why
Premature suspension bush and wheel bearing wear (K13)
The K13 has a documented tendency for front suspension bushes and wheel bearings to wear early - knocks over bumps, droning at speed and vague steering. Parts are cheap and the jobs simple, but a car with multiple worn corners fails a WOF and the costs add up. It is the most common non-drivetrain complaint on these cars in owner reviews.
What you would notice
- Knocking or rattling over bumps
- Droning or humming that changes with speed (bearing)
- Vague or wandering steering
- Uneven front tyre wear
Typically $300–$800 to put right.

See all 3 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Premature suspension bush and wheel bearing wear (K13)

Drive over a rough street and listen for front-end knocks.2010–2016Suspension$300–$800

CommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix

The K13 has a documented tendency for front suspension bushes and wheel bearings to wear early - knocks over bumps, droning at speed and vague steering. Parts are cheap and the jobs simple, but a car with multiple worn corners fails a WOF and the costs add up. It is the most common non-drivetrain complaint on these cars in owner reviews.

Symptoms to notice

Knocking or rattling over bumps
Droning or humming that changes with speed (bearing)
Vague or wandering steering
Uneven front tyre wear

What to check

Drive over a rough street and listen for front-end knocks.
At 80-100 km/h, gently weave and note whether a droning noise changes - a wheel bearing on its way out.
Check front tyres for uneven wear across the tread.

Where to look: Front control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links and front wheel bearings

Parts involved: Wheel bearing.

Ask the seller

“Have any suspension bushes or wheel bearings been replaced?”
“When did it last pass a WOF and were there any notes?”

Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling2

01HR12DE 3-cylinder timing chain wear and oil consumption (K13)

Cold-start it and listen for rattle in the first 15 seconds.petrol2010–2016EngineCan't confirm for this car$1,200–$2,200

OccasionalEngine $1,200–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The K13's 1.2 three-cylinder HR12DE uses a timing chain that is reliable with clean oil but stretches on neglected cars, typically past 100,000 km - causing cold-start rattle, rough idle and cam-timing fault codes. The small sump means missed oil changes hurt it disproportionately, and high-km examples also start using oil. On a cheap city car the chain job is a significant proportion of the car's value, so a rattling K13 needs to be priced accordingly.

Symptoms to notice

Rattle on cold start from the engine's chain end
Rough or uneven idle (beyond normal 3-cylinder thrum)
Check-engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
Oil level dropping between services

What to check

Cold-start it and listen for rattle in the first 15 seconds.
Check the dipstick level and oil condition.
Ask for the service history - the HR12 forgives little; anything without regular oil changes is a gamble.

Where to look: Timing chain behind the engine's end cover; check dipstick at the front of the bay

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“What oil-change intervals has the car had?”
“Any cold-start rattle or oil top-ups between services?”

02CVT wear and failure (K13 automatic)

Test drive from cold, on an incline if possible.petrol2010–2016TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$3,000–$5,500

CommonTransmission $3,000–$5,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Automatic K13 Micras/Marches use a small Jatco CVT that suffers worn belts, pulleys and control modules when fluid changes are skipped - the same Jatco-era weakness as bigger Nissans. Symptoms are shudder, whine, slipping and eventually failure, and a replacement unit often exceeds the car's value. Buyer guides for the K13 bluntly recommend the manual over the CVT unless the auto has full fluid-change history.

Symptoms to notice

Shudder or judder from a standstill
Whining that rises with road speed
Revs flaring without acceleration
Hesitation or clunk selecting Drive

What to check

Test drive from cold, on an incline if possible.
Feel for shudder pulling away and listen for whine at constant speed.
Ask for CVT fluid change receipts - no records means budget for trouble.

Where to look: CVT transaxle in the engine bay

Ask the seller

“When was the CVT fluid last changed?”
“Has the CVT ever been repaired or replaced?”

Other Nissan Micra engines and years19 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling10

01CG10DE/CG13DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear

Listen carefully during cold start for metallic chain rattle from the cam cover area.petrol1992–2003EngineDoes not apply$800–$2,200Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Xtronic CVT judder and overheating on the K14

Drive it in the conditions that expose a CVT rather than the ones that flatter it.2017–2021TransmissionDoes not apply$400–$7,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03CVT overheating and shudder without fluid maintenance (K14)

Test drive including a sustained hill and check for shudder, flare and warning lights.petrol2017–2021TransmissionDoes not apply$3,500–$6,000

OccasionalTransmission $3,500–$6,000 to fix

Does not apply

K14 Micras with the optional Xtronic CVT are flagged by reliability guides as the higher-risk variant: skipped fluid changes lead to overheating, shudder, whine, slipping and control-module faults. Manual versions have noticeably fewer reported problems. The CVT is fine when serviced, but on a small cheap car an out-of-warranty CVT repair is often uneconomic - service history decides whether to buy.

Symptoms to notice

Shudder under gentle acceleration
Whining or droning at speed
Slipping / rev flare
Transmission overheat warning on hard use

What to check

Test drive including a sustained hill and check for shudder, flare and warning lights.
Ask specifically for CVT fluid service receipts - Nissan's 'sealed for life' messaging means many were never serviced.

Where to look: CVT transaxle in the engine bay

Ask the seller

“Has the CVT fluid ever been changed?”
“Any shudder or warning lights under load?”

04K12 CVT Judder and Belt Slip (Hyper-CVT)

Test drive on flat road at light throttle between 20–50 km/h and feel for judder through seat and steering.petrol2003–2010TransmissionDoes not apply$2,000–$5,500Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05Timing chain and intake cam phaser rattle on the 0.9/1.0 turbo

The K14 Micra uses Renault's small turbo petrol engines rather than the Nissan units in earlier Micras, and they are chain-driven.petrol2017–2021EngineDoes not apply$900–$3,200

OccasionalEngine $900–$3,200 to fix

Does not apply

The K14 Micra uses Renault's small turbo petrol engines rather than the Nissan units in earlier Micras, and they are chain-driven. Two separate noises come from the same end of the engine and are easy to confuse. The first is timing chain rattle, which needs watching on any of these engines. The second is wear inside the intake camshaft phaser — the variable valve timing actuator — which gives a ticking or rattling that is distinct from chain noise and is typically reported beyond about 120,000 km. Neither is an immediate failure, but both are noises that get worse and both are best found before you buy rather than after. As with all chain-driven small turbos, the strongest predictor is oil change history: this engine is unforgiving of long intervals and cheap oil.

Symptoms to notice

Rattle from the front of the engine in the first seconds after a cold start
Persistent ticking at idle once warm, separate from injector noise
Engine warning light with camshaft timing or correlation codes
Rough idle or a loss of low-down response
Rattle briefly returning when the engine is switched off and restarted warm

What to check

Insist on a genuinely cold start and be standing at the front of the car when the key is turned — this is the one moment that tells you the most, and if the seller has warmed the car up before you arrive, arrange to come back rather than settling for a warm start.
Listen to the first three to five seconds for a rattle or a chatter that then clears; a healthy engine settles almost immediately.
Once it is warm, listen again at idle with the bonnet up for a steady tick that stays constant with the revs.
Ask to see the service book and count the oil changes — this engine wants them on time, and a car with gaps in the record is the one to walk away from.
Check the oil on the dipstick is at level and reasonably clean rather than black and thin.
Ask the seller whether it makes any noise on a cold morning; owners often describe it accurately when asked plainly.
If a workshop inspection is possible: have the stored codes read for camshaft correlation faults, which distinguish phaser wear from a stretched chain.

Where to look: Front of the engine — timing chain, tensioner and intake camshaft phaser

Parts involved: Timing chain, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

“Does it rattle at all when started on a cold morning?”
“How often has the oil been changed, and can I see the record?”
“Has any timing chain or camshaft work ever been done?”

06IG-T turbo triple timing chain system wear (K14)

Cold-start and listen for chain rattle.petrol2017–2021EngineDoes not apply$1,500–$2,500

OccasionalEngine $1,500–$2,500 to fix

Does not apply

The K14 Micra's 0.9/1.0 IG-T turbo three-cylinders share their timing chain system with Renault's 1.0 TCe family, and chain/tensioner wear is the main long-term concern flagged by reliability reports - rattle on start-up and cam-timing codes on cars with stretched oil-change intervals. The engine is otherwise well regarded (port injection avoids carbon build-up issues). Strict oil changes with the correct spec oil are the defence; buy on service history.

Symptoms to notice

Rattle at cold start
Check-engine light with cam timing codes
Rough running when cold

What to check

Cold-start and listen for chain rattle. Insist on seeing full service records - the correct low-viscosity oil and on-time changes are what keep this chain alive. A K14 with patchy history should be priced down.

Where to look: Timing chain at the cam-drive end of the IG-T engine

Parts involved: Timing chain, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

“Has the car had on-time oil changes with the correct oil?”
“Any start-up rattle?”

07Timing chain stretch on CR10/CR12/CR14 (K12)

Cold-start the car (bonnet should be cold to the touch when you arrive) and listen at the passenger end of the engine for chain rattle.petrol2002–2010EngineDoes not apply$1,200–$2,200Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

08CR12DE Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption

Check oil level frequency — consumption of more than 500ml per 5000km is abnormal.petrol2002–2010EngineDoes not apply$600–$1,800

CommonEngine $600–$1,800 to fix

Does not apply

CR12DE 1.2 valve stem seals harden and shrink allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber, causing blue smoke on startup and increased oil consumption between services.

Symptoms to notice

Blue smoke from exhaust on startup after overnight park, clearing after 30-60 seconds of running
Frequent oil level checks needed as level drops between services

What to check

Check oil level frequency — consumption of more than 500ml per 5000km is abnormal.
Look for blue smoke from exhaust on startup after overnight park.

Where to look: Valve stem seals in cylinder head

Ask the seller

“Has the cr12de valve stem seal oil been inspected or repaired?”

09CR10DE/CR12DE Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from the engine front.petrol2002–2010EngineDoes not apply$500–$1,800

CommonEngine $500–$1,800 to fix

Does not apply

The Nissan March K12 CR10DE 1.0 and CR12DE 1.2 timing chain tensioners rattle on cold start from oil pressure lag. The small oil capacity of these engines means tensioner condition is highly sensitive to oil change intervals. Rattle beyond 10 seconds at operating temperature indicates worn tensioner or guides.

Symptoms to notice

Metallic rattle from engine front on cold start
Rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds or remaining at operating temperature

What to check

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from the engine front. Normal clears in under 5 seconds. Rattle at operating temperature indicates worn tensioner — prompt replacement is required to prevent chain skip on these small engines.

Where to look: Front of CR10/CR12 engine, timing chain tensioner and guides

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Has the cr10de/cr12de timing chain tensioner rattle been inspected or repaired?”

10Throttle Body Carbon Fouling Causing Rough Idle

Rough idle or hesitation on deceleration confirms the fault.petrol2002–2010EngineDoes not apply$100–$350

CommonEngine $100–$350 to fix

Does not apply

Throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon deposits from crankcase vapour causing rough idle, hesitation at low speed, and occasional stalling.

Symptoms to notice

Rough idle with an uneven engine note at light throttle and during deceleration
Occasional stalling when releasing the throttle in traffic from idle instability

What to check

Rough idle or hesitation on deceleration confirms the fault. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the air filter and inspect the throttle body bore with a torch — grey-black deposits on the butterfly plate and bore indicate fouling.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

“Has the throttle body carbon fouling causing been inspected or repaired?”

Electrical3

01Electric Power Steering Motor or Sensor Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2002–2010ElectricalDoes not apply$600–$2,000

OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

The K12 March EPS system can develop a fault in the column-mounted motor or torque sensor causing sudden or gradual loss of power assistance.

Symptoms to notice

Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assistance with steering warning light
Heavy steering requiring significant manual effort at parking speeds and low-speed manoeuvring

What to check

Scan for EPS fault codes.
Test steering during test drive — any heavy or inconsistent feel requires investigation.
Any warning light for the EPS system.

Where to look: EPS motor and column assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the electric power steering motor or been inspected or repaired?”

02Electric power steering (EPS) column failure (K12)

With the car stationary and running, turn lock to lock - assistance should be even both ways with no groaning or dead spots.petrol2002–2010ElectricalDoes not apply$400–$1,500Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Multiple safety recalls - airbag, seat frame, wheel hub, ignition wiring (K14)

Take the VIN and have a Nissan dealer (or the/NZTA recall lookup) confirm all recall campaigns are completed.2017–2021ElectricalDoes not apply$0

OccasionalElectrical $0 to fix

Does not apply

The K14 Micra was subject to several recalls: ignition switch wiring on early 2017 builds, passenger airbag modules (2016-2017), driver's seat frame welds (2016-2021) and front wheel hubs on late-2017 cars. All are fixed free by Nissan, but imported examples may have slipped through the recall net. Any K14 should have its VIN checked with a Nissan dealer for outstanding campaigns before purchase - an unfixed seat or hub recall is a genuine safety issue, not paperwork.

Symptoms to notice

Usually none - recalls are latent defects
Airbag warning light in some airbag-module cases
Clicking/creaking from the driver's seat frame

What to check

Take the VIN and have a Nissan dealer (or the/NZTA recall lookup) confirm all recall campaigns are completed.
Check the service book for recall completion stamps.
Listen for creaking from the driver's seat when rocking in it.

Where to look: Driver's seat frame, passenger airbag, front wheel hubs, ignition switch wiring

Ask the seller

“Can you show the recall work has been completed?”
“Has this car ever been checked by a Nissan dealer since import?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior6

01Driver's seat rail stopper recall — the seat can slide out of position

Nissan recall R22D6 covers 285,515 Micras built between 5 December 2016 and 5 October 2021 — effectively the whole K14 run.2017–2021InteriorDoes not apply$0–$1,200

OccasionalInterior $0–$1,200 to fix

Does not apply

Nissan recall R22D6 covers 285,515 Micras built between 5 December 2016 and 5 October 2021 — effectively the whole K14 run. Where the driver's seat is set at a position that lines up with a design feature in the upper rail, the stress limits of the rail material can be exceeded and the rear stopper on the lower rail can break under heavy continuous load. If it does, the driver's seat can slide out of its set position, and because the seat belt anchorage is tied to the seat, the belt may then not restrain the driver as intended in a crash. The dealer fix is a seat rail replacement taking about fifty minutes and it is free. This is worth checking on any imported example, because the original recall notice went to an owner overseas.

Symptoms to notice

Driver's seat moving or rocking on its rails when it should be locked
Seat sliding backwards under acceleration or forwards under braking
Seat not locking positively into a chosen position
Creak or knock from under the driver's seat over bumps

What to check

Take the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask a Nissan dealer whether recall R22D6 and the other Micra campaigns of this era have been completed. That check is free and it settles the question properly. Then test the seat yourself: sit in the driver's seat, take hold of it and try to rock it forwards and backwards and side to side — a seat that is locked should feel solid, and any movement on the rails is the symptom. Slide it through its full travel and lock it at several positions, checking each one takes up positively rather than needing a nudge to settle. Note that the fault is position-dependent, so a seat that feels solid in one place is worth re-testing further forward and further back. On the drive, note any creak or knock from beneath you over bumps, and any sense of the seat shifting under braking. Ask the seller for recall paperwork. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the seat rails and the seat mounting to be checked as part of the inspection.

Where to look: Driver's seat — lower seat rail and its rear stopper, under the seat

Ask the seller

“Has the Nissan seat rail recall been completed, and is there a dealer invoice?”
“Does the driver's seat ever move or feel loose once it is locked?”
“Was this car imported, and has it been to a Nissan dealer in New Zealand?”

02Front Strut Top Bearing Collapse and Mount Failure

With vehicle stationary, turn steering wheel slowly lock to lock and listen for clunking from each strut top.petrol2003–2010SuspensionDoes not apply$350–$950

CommonSuspension $350–$950 to fix

Does not apply

K12 Micra front strut top mounts and bearings deteriorate with age, resulting in clunking and knocking over bumps and during steering lock-to-lock movement. The plastic bearing race cracks and the rubber mount loses compliance. Common on NZ/AU examples due to unsealed road exposure and age. Continued use causes strut instability and imprecise steering. Inexpensive to fix but frequently overlooked as an age-related noise rather than a safety item.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or knocking from front suspension over speed bumps or rough roads
Clunk when turning steering wheel from lock to lock at low speed
Rattling from front strut towers when going over dips
Vague or imprecise steering feel

What to check

With vehicle stationary, turn steering wheel slowly lock to lock and listen for clunking from each strut top. Push down on each front corner of the car and release — clunking indicates worn mount or bearing. Visually inspect strut top mounts under bonnet for cracking or separation.

Where to look: Front strut tops, visible under bonnet at each front corner

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

“Has the vehicle had any front suspension noise investigated?”
“Have the front strut mounts or top bearings been replaced?”
“When were the front struts last serviced or replaced?”

03Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the boot for splitting.2002–2010SuspensionDoes not apply$250–$600

CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Does not apply

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension over bumps
Imprecise handling feel when cornering

What to check

Inspect the boot for splitting. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Has the front lower arm ball joint been inspected or repaired?”

04Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure from Corrosion

Test for pulling under braking.2002–2010BrakesDoes not apply$150–$500

CommonBrakes $150–$500 to fix

Does not apply

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear and brake pull.

Symptoms to notice

Vehicle pulling to one side under braking from uneven pad application pressure
One front brake disc significantly hotter than the other after moderate braking

What to check

Test for pulling under braking.
After stopping, feel each front wheel for uneven heat.
Remove calipers and inspect guide pins for restricted movement.

Where to look: Front brake calipers both sides

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads, Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

“Has the brake caliper slide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

05Rear Torsion Beam Axle Bush Collapse

Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking and deformation.2002–2010SuspensionDoes not apply$200–$500

CommonSuspension $200–$500 to fix

Does not apply

Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse causing rear suspension knocking and imprecision. Very common at 10+ years on NZ examples.

Symptoms to notice

Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces and speed humps
Imprecise rear handling and the rear feeling slightly unsettled on uneven roads

What to check

Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking and deformation.
Push beam laterally with vehicle raised — any clunking indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points to body

Ask the seller

“Has the rear torsion beam axle bush been inspected or repaired?”

06Water leaks into cabin - scuttle drains, door seals, rear light gaskets (K12)

Press your hand firmly into the front footwell carpets and lift the boot floor to check the spare wheel well for water or rust stains.petrol2002–2010Body & RustDoes not apply$100–$500

CommonBody & Rust $100–$500 to fix

Does not apply

K12 Micras are known for water finding its way into the cabin: blocked scuttle/plenum drains flood the front footwells (and can kill electronics under the carpet), worn door seals let water past, and rear light cluster gaskets leak into the boot. Damp carpets lead to mould, rust and electrical faults, so it is worth ten minutes of checking on any K12 - particularly one that has lived outside.

Symptoms to notice

Damp or wet front footwell carpets
Musty smell inside
Water pooling in the boot / spare wheel well
Misted windows that never clear

What to check

Press your hand firmly into the front footwell carpets and lift the boot floor to check the spare wheel well for water or rust stains.
Check door seal condition and look for tide marks.
If possible, view the car after rain.

Where to look: Scuttle panel below the windscreen, door seals, rear light clusters and boot floor

Ask the seller

“Has the car ever had water inside?”
“Have the scuttle drains been cleared?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Micra’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Nissan models

Nissan Patrol48 documented faults Nissan Navara45 documented faults Nissan X-Trail45 documented faults Nissan Stagea22 documented faults Nissan Juke21 documented faults Nissan Murano21 documented faults

Nissan Micra buyer questions

Is the Nissan Micra reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the Nissan Micra, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and interior. A Nissan Micra with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Micra?

We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Nissan Micra, covering transmission, engine, and interior. All 22 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Micra?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Micra fall between $400–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Micra?

Yes. A Nissan Micra inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.