Brilliant little car that has all the creature comforts I could want. Very cheap to run - without it I wouldn't be able to run my other two 'fun' cars. The car has ultimately been reliable with only minor repairs needed - items that in my eyes with my driving style and high mileage usage are forgiveable. I look after all the servicing myself and although is very 'French' in areas which I was at first dubious about, It is easy enough to work on and parts are readily available and cheap from motor factors or main dealer.

I have had the engine re-mapped due to the mileage I do (circa 20k P.A) in order to make over taking and such easier on my lengthy A road commute. It now boasts 113 hp over the stock 82 and have had no such issues due to this other than front tyre wear due to the extra torque. Over taking and general driving is now relatively effortless whilst still maintaining excellent economy (55 is my lowest ever average for a tank). Subsequently I service the car every 6k miles in the hope that it will last well. I once completed 100 miles on the motorway at 65 which returned 92.5mpg average on the computer - so the scope is there if you have the patience to drive this frugally. Generally I return 60-65mpg average on my weekly commute.

Problem areas with the 1.5dCi include the EGR valve which I cleaned when purchasing the car @38k (full of gunk) and repeat every 15k. I since haven't had any problems with the EGR. Areas of trim such as the boot panel and boot opening panel are becoming tired however It was never meant to have 20+k German car build quality. I can live with this given how the car gets used. Leatherette steering wheel looks awful, the leatherette sort of 'melts' - again never bothered me too much. The stock 175/60/15 tyre size are a rip off due to being an 'odd' size that garages hardly stock. I switched to 195/55/15 as they are around half the price.

Its very practical due to the rear loading space being square and the rear seats folding/sliding forward however It is a small car after all and larger hatch backs do trump it in this area. However for its size, it's like a tardis!

Like any car, service it regularly with good quality oil and it will serve you well. Research problem areas and act upon these to prevent failure as I have with the EGR. Many cars get bad reputations due to user error and ignorance.

Report as offensive

micra ecco 1250 cc includes all extras as standard

reviewed by pepper on 27 February 2011