1997 Nissan Micra K11 goes for a drive

A 1997 Mk2 Micra K11 - how does it compare with the original and hugely popular original?
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[@p24hrsmith]

If anyone is looking for cheap reliable little run around you can't beat a K11

[@Ethan-ly9tr]

Ikr

[@aaroncable4739]

Apart from the lack of air bags

[@z-trip5457]

@@aaroncable4739 later ones had airbags

[@sunilayya8948]

These were cute and super easy to drive than other small cars in its day. Felt more substantial than the k10 and the engines were very refined. Great review of an icon of a happy, bygone era .

[@thunderfire6966]

The K11 is in my top 10 favourite cars. Little legend

[@xxlalbatross3287]

I have one 😊

[@alfiewoolard2598]

Many thanks to Mr. Furious for making this happen for my little car! Was a brilliant afternoon.

[@furiousdriving]

Thank you for offering it, it was a pleasure to review!

[@micrasportsclub]

Absolutely factory-fresh. Loving it! Would love to see it at the Japanese Auto Extravaganza, (our flagship event) next year!

[@alfiewoolard2598]

@@micrasportsclub And hopefully you will! Just got some doorhandle repairs to do and it'll be right as rain!

[@TheKenjoje]

@@alfiewoolard2598 surprise it takes repair considering the overall condition of the car, but ok....

[@jamesgreen751]

Great little car and brilliant review! Looks just like my little K11! :-D

[@andreasphotiou1886]

My wife replaced her ‘97 Micra k11 Shape (entry level) with an R50 Mini Cooper. The Mini was great but I can’t help thinking that Issigonis would have preferred the K11.

[@tonyn9858]

the transmission sounds just like my first 1965 mini i really like the Micra it really is a good car tony Leics

[@andreasphotiou1886]

tony n It was a fabulous little car. Roomy, great visibility, light and effortless to drive and unfailing reliable despite ours having a high mileage and being run on a student budget.

[@DejoR79]

@@andreasphotiou1886 i have one 2002 year with only 140000km, everything works even a/c

[@timtube1663]

My mum had an identical one to this in red. The inside door handles did the same in hers! Fantastic car, she absolutely loved it as did I.

[@cosmicsman666]

just bought one. 2000 s model for £400 with 12 months mot. They make you smile as you drive and i think its like a modern version of the old mini. Ragged it all day and never got less than 40 mpg. I see now why they have a great loyal following.

[@FariesWearBoots1970]

You're 100% right, The Nissan Micra k11 is literally like an upgrade from the Classic mini, Small and fun to drive.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Having had the privilege of seeing this incredibly low mileage K11 Micra in person, I can attest to the fact that it is in unbelievable condition. It was great to meet the owner too!

[@patokaa93]

Back in the late 90's I remember my neighbour, who was a consultant surgeon, drove one of these. I guess showing off with a fancy car during the late 90's was quite unfashionable in Finland due to the great depression of the early 90's. But still, that always made me wonder.

[@blonderobot8161]

I love how clean this car is despite how old it is. I love the K11.

[@colboysigmax]

Had one for 5 years back in the mid 90's and literally NOTHING went wrong with it. Not even a bulb failure.

[@cosmicsman666]

A twin cam 1.0 litre engine is an absolute Gem. I love it.

[@TheCounty90]

I remember seeing this car at the 1992 NEC motorshow. It moved around to pop music opening and closing it's doors with dancers in Lycra. Very 90's

[@markfox1545]

TheCounty90 - ITS doors. Not IT'S doors. IT'S means IT IS.

[@oldtopgearsaab1]

The 90s was a good time lol

[@mr8I7]

The (rather good) description on Gran Turismo 2 describes this car as a 'masterpiece'.

[@akjl01]

Great review again. You know, there’s a lot to be said for simple and no frills. That’s what you get with this Micra. Honest little car..

[@alansimpson835]

An unfairly slagged little wonder of a machine. Amazing visibility meant you became a parallel parking god, well spaced pedals meant you could drive and sit comfortably as a man and the skinny tyres meant it was like a mountain goat in the snow. The lack of power steering and driver aids on basic models meant you felt more integrated in the driving experience too. Loved the three I had.

[@tz6414]

Crazy good condition, that car looks a gem. Lovely review.

[@alecbrown66]

Great vid as usual! Especially as this was the car that saved british mass manufacturing of cars in the north east of the UK. And for late 1990's vehicle made in the UK, it was amongst the first to show we could make a car with high standards of fit, finish and quality despite being alongside the death throws of Rover.

[@nick2203]

They were a good small car. I had a Y registered Micra 1.4 SE and being an SE it had aircon, remote locking, electric mirrors and front windows. With the 1.4 engine performance was peppy and the car was extremely reliable.

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

The 1.0 16 valve engine was bulletproof and very easy to service. The first part to fail on mine was the sills. Slot over replacements where easily available for around £15 per side so not a costly repair.

[@owensmith8467]

I had a 1999 Micra Profile 3dr for a few years in the early 2000's. Behaved absolutely flawlessly, felt so well made. The one thing that stuck in my mind was the quality of the paint (bright red), I've never had a car since that would polish up quite like it! Miss it, part exchanged for a Fiat Grande Punto Sport which looked cool but was massively unreliable.

[@jnsaoo]

I had a K11 Micra with the 1.3 engine. It was fast! So reliable and the original speakers were quite good, which was a nice bonus.

[@DejoR79]

i have 5 or 6 in my life, now i have one 2002 year with only 140000km, 1000cc all works even a/c... its very fast when i told its only 1000cc no one believe me

[@pinut187]

Yeah the standard speakers are quite good indeed.

[@barryjackson8512]

I worked at Nissan. At the end the Micra line take them off. Great little cars

[@dustdriver115]

I had one of these, super reliable, 280,000 km no problem.

[@joshbacon8241]

Back in its day, the K11 Micra was also a great choice for a first car.

[@dmodeboy]

I had a similar Micra briefly in 2001 as a courtesy car. It was so basic but I had great fun pootling around in it. I remember the really tall gear stalk. I felt a bit like Noddy but it made me smile!

[@user-vs7sb9wg2r]

somebody translate this in american please lol

[@geraldmellon740]

Hard to believe but my sister had one of these (1994?) and she used to loan me it to ( I kid you not) get to gigs with a drum kit... back seats went down and front passenger seat was utilised too. Still think it looks better than the Micras that came before and after this one. Was a great little car at the time. Thanks for the usual high standard of review. Brilliant. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@graemetaylor629]

ive had two of these and they were brilliant little cars, smooth and quiet and very reliable. I never really noticed a rust problem, and you used to see 15 to 20 year old examples on the road all the time.

[@thepilgrim7467]

I buy my Micra K11 bevor 6 years, for 470 euro and still running without any problems. The engine is a dream and the fuel consumption is after 20 years at 6l/100km. Was many times at holidays in Greece with that micra at very worst street conditions and many passages with full throttle and full of balast. He did not care. I love my little friend 🙂

[@spainter1985]

Basic but very rugged mechanicals, almost indestructable!

[@DrewB1974]

What a great little car in fantastic condition. I had a 1997 1.3 GX model and I did 72,000 miles in three years without any problems 😀

[@tgcrowson]

I bought a Micra Shape new in 1998 for £6k. I kept it in the family for nearly 20 years. Both kids learned to drive in it and used it regularly until they got their own cars. It hardly ever failed an MoT and even survived an encounter with a 4x4 on a roundabout in Sheffield. It finally died with 125k on the clock when the gearbox failed. Most reliable car I have ever had.

[@antonyaiken]

im building a kawasaki ZX9r powered k11 micra on my channel. i love the things. I've had Evo8, V6 MR2 and 309 GTI. i can honestly say my k11 micra Super S was the most fun I've ever had on the track. with a few modifications, that 76hp from the 1.3 can be easily squeezed to 130hp reliably thanks to the euro emissions regulations requiring 2 cats and a lean running engine. Interesting fact, during the 90s and early 2000s, the k11 micra was the most prolifically used rally car in Europe. and is still used extensively today. it is now allowed to join in with the classic mini in "mini-cross" rallycross racing (998cc and 1275cc interestingly) and the 1.0 micra had its own rally class called "junior 1000" there are a few turbocharged ones around the world, two most powerful ones here in the UK with 240 and 350hp respectively. people who call them names or don't respect them as they should, should realise that after 28 years, there are still more k11 micras on the road than Peugeot 106, ford ka, mk1 clio, fiat 600, fiesta mk3, etc etc. there's a reason for that.

[@57celso]

The first car I drove was a Datsun 1200 (Nissan in Japan). I adore the K11, I have a 1.3 Super S, a 1.3 SLX and a 1.0, and I offered another one to my daughter. I have already Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Honda, etc., but in reliability, until 2000, Nissan was ahead of all!

[@nikosz66]

Reliable, super roomy, handled the road well (the 1.3lt had anti rolll bar in the rear susp. from the beginning), ultra easy to maneuvre, quiet , comfy, frugal, the perfect small car. Had the 1997 1.3lt model , still running after 22 years by a friend who loves it. And I still see many of them on the Greek roads .

[@brentfairlie9159]

We never got these new in New Zealand. However there were heaps of used Japanese imports. Good little cars

[@z-trip5457]

My very first car, I still miss it.

[@jdmguy44]

It's a shame Nissans current line up of models are not more like the bullet proof models of this era - and older. The K11 Micra Micra was a good case in point. A well designed, built and engineered car. Far superior than the current rebodied Renault Clio. Nissan need to distance themselves from Renault or better kill off the alliance.

[@Kofi_Mensahs_BurnerAccount]

JDM Guy that's because of their association with Renault.

[@DejoR79]

i agree, but they are still much better than renault

[@SvenQ45]

Yep. Renault got better with the alliance! But Nissan worse! Cut off maybe doesn´t happen these days. But distance in many ways. Nissan working on it!

[@byronmills5952]

Let's get the facts straight here - Nissan were skint. However reliable or wonderful you may have thought they're products were - they weren't selling and the company was very very close to going under. Without Renaults intervention and controlling interest Nissan would be no more - its as simple as that.

[@fishfinners]

I see where the perodua kelisa got it's design from

[@Nimmo1492]

My grandad got a very early (L-reg, IIRC) K11 Micra as his first Motability car. It was as basic as it gets, and couldn't fit many people in it, but it was a marked improvement over the ancient Maestro he'd previously had.

[@jokesXD]

Looks like a real tidy car that

[@furiousdriving]

Its mint!

[@isuk]

The paint looks really good

[@tonyn9858]

hi i have a 2002 Micra ive had it for 2 years drive it everyday fix it my self and totaly love it .they are a brilliant little car stock up on the cheap spares now while you can a classic car in my book tony Leics

[@khew1]

A great video! I love 90's superminis. They look so pleasant and have rubberised, curvey interiors.

[@nicnak4475]

Very strong reliable little car , just watch any" micro madness" banger meeting and you see will loads of them , amazing the stick they take !

[@ShortCycle.]

Currently own a R reg 1.3 slx 5dr with 60k on it and it's a great cheap daily. Mines a fair bit posher then your review car.. full wheel trims, central locking, front elec windows, tilt/slide sunroof, tacho, power steering, rear headrests and grab handles... Mine also has anti-roll bars.. not all k11 did. ... Mines also lowered 40mm and on 14x6 BBS wheels.. handling significantly improved!

[@scottlloydamey6154]

I have a 96' SLX that was my Nan's from new.... I've had it from 2001 and it currently has 52k on the clock.... Absolutely fantastic car.... 👍🏻

[@kristijan.1]

Those wheels remind me a lot of the Opel Corsa A, they're identical I think. Awesome video

[@lash9400]

I remember when this Micra came out but I was far more into the Fiat Punto, 205 and Fiesta at the time.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Used to have a 1.3 K11 Micra, and I absolutely adored it. Probably my favourite car of all the ones I've owned. If you're interested, I have a very nice example of a K12 Micra Automatic you're welcome to feature. I'm in OX18 Area of Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Near Burford where Harry Metcalf of Harry's Garage does his videos. Some great driving roads here, and it's absolutely gorgeous countryside. Would be great to see you, especially if you came in the P6 👍

[@Naebothernosey]

I’ve bought and sold two K11s, the last one was a birthday present to my brother, as he had one as his first car and loved it. I would love another K11, the one which I would get will be preserved as a future classic, I absolutely love them!

[@catscantfly]

I add the Japanese import version, it was called a march,, it had air con

[@EinkOLED]

I had a k12, I still regret selling it. It was a fun little thing.

[@Kpostma100]

epic car, had three of them and enjoyed them verry much! this car never fails you. and the 1.3 is easely capable of reaching 100 hp at the crank with little efforts :)

[@turquoisecat761]

Another decent review from FD, one of the very few channels I'm subscribed to. I had a late ('J' reg) K10 Micra 1.2 SLX, in a very light metallic blue years ago, didn't keep it too long though as prefer slightly larger cars. Also had a Sunny and Bluebird from the Nissan family.

[@beverleysenatore5880]

These cars are everywhere. I started learning to drive in one I like them so much I will get another one :).

[@saintfunny]

I've had a few of these, they are lovely.

[@spencep7919]

Utterly indestructible little cars. Drove one to Mongolia back in 2017. Didn't have one mechanical issue! A few punctures and an issue with the Earth in the rear light clusters was about it. Most of the way was rough roads, dirt roads, washboard, even did the D915 in Turkey in it. It was brutal, but the little Micra soldiered on unphased. Absolutely love these little nuggets!

[@terryatkinson3182]

I had a fiat uno when these were out and when you pulled out the seat belt it would be damp after the rain plus when you opened the door the drips would go right onto the seat.... no such problems with the Micra. My neighbour had one and it was like a sewing machine. She drove it for years.

[@dandandan389]

I learned to drive in a facelifted one (as I'm sure many people did) brilliant little cars

[@99ron30]

I had a 1993 1.3 LX 3 door a couple of years ago. My second car after a 2002 Fabia 1.9sdi. The micra was better. So reliable, fast, comfy, easy to repair, nice gear shift and revvy engine.

[@cirian75]

I learned to drive in one those, well with my 1st awful instructor, car was fine, he was crap, the 2nd much better instructor had a Corsa

[@cardude5323]

We've had 5 of these throughout the years in the family. Aswell as being used as delivery vehicles. Absolutely bulletproof. And I mean incredible! Despite the size. I can confirm, You can fit a full size washing machine with all its packaging in the boot with the seats down when needed. XD

[@furiousdriving]

Thats always the test!

[@DejoR79]

wow, my family to maybe even more than 5, but i still have one 2002 year with 1000cc engine, only 140000km all works even a/c, no heart to sold her... sorry for my english

[@cardude5323]

@@DejoR79 they will last forever, as long as you can stop them rusting.

[@DejoR79]

@@cardude5323 i never have problem with that, but here in montenegro we dont have much rain, maybe day or two of snow for whole winter or nothing, probably that is the reason i guess

[@josefsmith1059]

Really informative thanks! Also pretty ideal as I have been looking at one this week...

[@MonkeyHunch1]

Owned an early 1995 1.3 LX with the futuristic CVT gearbox for 20 odd years until 2018 when it eventualy rotted into nothing after a few years of welding. Only thing that ever went wrong with it was the glove box fell off :). And the 1.3 CVT model went like stink off the mark! Used to suprise much bigger cars at the traffic lights and overtaking.

[@markpenrice6253]

My aunt and uncle had one for a while and it was a ludicrous rocketship from a standing start despite the unexceptional engine output. Possibly the only time a CVT has been any good for improving performance (though IDK what it did for the economy), essentially giving you a perfect racing driver high rev launch if you stomped the throttle, and avoiding the usual lull between 1st and 2nd. No idea what it was like at high speeds but I have some very clear memories of bombing around in it when getting lifts from a leadfooted uncle... that plus the toytown suspension would literally make your head spin.

[@MonkeyHunch1]

@@markpenrice6253 Yup i loved mine it was a lot of fun and at higher speeds it was pretty average but off the mark it was a little rocket up to 60 . The original factory times for 50 to 70 mph overtaking where quicker than a Nissan 300zx. I still have the magazines from the 90`s showing that.

[@MonkeyHunch1]

@@markpenrice6253 oh and as far as economy went mine never did less than 40 mpg even when ragging it.

[@chrismc1977]

Absolutely true. Before I got my SLX a friend had a CVT & could easily bate XR2’s & XR3i’s at the lights!!

[@SvenQ45]

Yes and today CVT must brake... :(

[@Mio-Vita]

What a fantastic video as always I still own my first car the Nissan Micra I’ve had it for six years well seven years in June, what a fantastic review of the Nissan Micra. Just wanted to add I am loving the Volvo content on your channel makes me want to buy a Volvo maybe later this year who knows.

[@sharonec5419]

The brother had a K10 Micra van. Paid 5000 pounds for it. I thought he was crazy. It was a basic as they come no power steering no centre console no electric anything and a very basic heating and radio system. It was his first car. I also learned to drive in it. It was great for doing handbrake turns in lol but not very good on bad roads or for passing anyone in with its tiny 900cc engine. He eventually changed it for a brand new 1999 MK 1 Ford Focus. That was a great car if a bit underpowered but he still got it into the 90s on the motorway before a Garda stopped us :( :) Maybe that was good do because if we crashed at that speed we were all dead.

[@michaellowe5043]

My first new car. 1995 in Australia where the Hyundai Excel trashed the low end market with their $13999 drive away pricing. Grabbed one (all 1.3lt here) with dealer fitted air for the same price (normally thousands dearer, like all Japanese cars at the time). Really reliable (except that the dealer appears to have dropped the aircon during install and kept chewing belts until finally located and fixed...). I'm 6'3" and was actually pretty comfortable!! Good times, cheap reliable motoring.

[@lisaramscar]

I have a T reg nissan micra ... bought it 5 years ago ... and now am driving him down to Italy ... just completed first leg to Switzerland ... I love my micra ... so reliable ... it's my second one ... the first I had for 11 years an X reg ... my T reg is automatic.. a few dents ... like its owner ... truly a great car ... mine has a cigarette lighter ..cheers ... oh yes I got parking sensors lol

[@woodrow_mayes]

My mother had a 2000 k11 2nd face lift, it was a four door in a cherry red metallic and was the spicy GX model! Sadly claimed by rust, never thought I'd miss a car like a dead pet!

[@sefikempowermentcoachvilla7843]

1.3 super s / 1.3 si and loads of 1.0ltrs i loved my k11s had loads so entertaining and reliable they were ahead of there time👍👍👍

[@TouretteTV96]

I wish the USA got these kinds of lower end cars!

[@archechme]

my brother had a 1999 Micra "celebration" in marine green. Amazing little car with loads of character.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

After owning a C5 V6 I now got a small Peugeot 1007 1.6. I really start to like small cars. Mine is from 2008 and comes with some luxury like parking sensors at the back, integrated radio/cd, climate control, electric and folding mirrors, boardcomputer. Compared to the C5 I now can park nearly everywhere!

[@smoothmicra]

Brilliant little work horses, I had one from near new and nearly reached 200K on the clock before some little ragamuffin crashed into it and wrote it off. Not just good around town, but comfortable over long distances as well due to the feather light steering and good ergonomics. Cheap as chips to run, if you can live with the"granny" styling it is (or perhaps was) a car that will never let you down or give you a nasty expensive surprise when you take it in for the annual service. Never had problems with rust with my K10 or K11, maybe I just like to keep my cars clean so the salt didn't get a chance to corrode the metal.

[@matthewsmith8727]

Brought one during lockdown as we needed a second car a 2001 reg automatic which I normally avoid! But I absolutely love the car

[@razorback20]

My brother daily drives a 2001 K11 1.0 that he bought from an old lady with very few mileage (oh, coincidence?). It's a pretty decent little car with a superb engine, very pleasant and brilliant at mid-rev. Also, the 1.0 was pushed to 60 BHP on 2000 face lift, with individual spark coils. Main criticism : no tachometer comes as standard on entry level, which is quite an offense with that 16 valve engine which absolutely loves revving.

[@itstheterranaut]

Had a 1.3- M796 TGM. Absolutely loved it-

[@roberthoey8944]

Great review...I have 3 micras .92 k10 mint condition for car shows .....1999 k11 25 miles in storage for future use and a 2000 k11 as a daily driver.. all3 are bullet proof Never miss a beat or let me down ..

[@noreenmcgick2355]

I love to see that people are preserving "boring" old cars like this, of course every exotic sports car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini will preserved so I think it's awesome that someone will care for and love a little Micra just as much.

[@trevdean540]

My mum still has hers that i went with her to buy new in 2001 from Wilsons Epsom. Only time its failed to start was when i had to replace original battery. Most reliable car she has owned.

[@chrismc1977]

My K11 1.3 SLX was a great little car. Loved it. Revvy & definitely quicker than the quoted 12secs 0-60. 75hp in something so light was highly entertaining. Lift off oversteer on tap too

[@Josh24s]

Loved the video got to say the K11 is my favourite car! 👊🏾

[@mrjsv4935]

Had a 2001 Nissan Micra 1,0 in silver (KL0 paint code) which was the last facelift version. No distributor anymore as all cylinders had their own ignition coilpack. Bought it in 2008 and drove it until 2011. Mostly it was an ok car but eventually problems started appearing, for example paint started flaking away, rear brake shoes had to be replaced because they fell apart, check engine light came on for system too lean fault code. At that point I changed the car to brand new Suzuki Alto. Without those problems I could've kept it longer as it was pretty handy car, not too big but not too small either as the Suzuki turned out to be. My mother used to have also 1989-1990 Nissan Micra 1,0 (K10) from 1994 to 2005. It was quite reliable car, drove it sometimes myself as well.

[@stephenscholes4758]

Have an NB MX5, '12 Camry and a K11 - the Nissan is my favourite car to drive, one reason I think is that without power steer it is so nicely geared, terrible in parking spots however and impatient people waiting for the spot don't get it, probably thinking, "it is a small car, why all the effort?". I am able to get bookcases in the back all sorts, I love it. The only thing is in Australia it is a rare car and I am fearful about big parts availability going forward (cyl heads, gearboxes, racks,) given I am closing in on 200,000 kms.

[@AliMackMechanical]

Another good review mate I liked the Micra good car.

[@furiousdriving]

Cheers, good cars but overlooked by many

[@glynjones2540]

I believe the reason for vertical parking rear wipers was to prevent the motor burning out in snowy conditions when the weight of snow would have to be lifted when blade parked horizontally. Early Golfs and Astras were the same.

[@furiousdriving]

That would be astonishingly Nissan like in its sensible thinking

[@Mjk10957]

My first car was a 1.3 si K11 face-lifted version great little car , the rear widows on mine did open

[@vintagestuffguy1998]

First car was a 97 k11 micra. Brilliant cars, mine was sadly lost to rust but a fab car and would very happily buy one again, though a k10 would be a lot more fun

[@vantabulouslife5704]

ive had 2 1.3. one manual one auto. Loved them both. Nippy, reliable and economical

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I passed my test in a red one of these. A 1993 K-registration...great car...nippy and great fun to drive. 🙂🔝👍🚗💨

[@DimoBoychev]

I actually love this channel

[@furiousdriving]

awww thank you!

[@steven-vn9ui]

"Mr Sandpaper Hands", made me laugh that!

[@overmarsdaria3222]

The best car I ever had, never let me down, mine is a 2000 v reg 1.3, silver like yours

[@sasancohen]

i got same 1997 for 6 years and noting goes wrong with this car and never let me douwn only problem is metal but i love it, it is a car that you can trust.

[@michaelarcher6278]

Would love to see you driving either the series one or two Nissan almera. I owned one of each and loved both of them

[@happydaily7324]

I may be getting one of these soon and was wondering if it would be a decent car to cruise around 65mph or 110km/h

[@club1fan552]

Can't believe how much legroom there is in the back. It's great that you get so excited about what is possibly the most uninspiring car ever made.

[@gilesl]

I got one of these as a loaner, really nice little cars

[@imienazvvisko]

I have metallic blue K11 2000, CG10DE engine (1.0 petrol). I love this car! Only thing i miss is air conditioner.

[@georgebamber6871]

You should check out the peugeot 106 it's got quite a following because of how cheap they are it's my first car

[@alexrankin1046]

We have a Tempest......brilliant car, it’s never let us down in 17 years 👍