NISSAN MICRA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,273 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
2,273
Avg Mileage
73,070 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1997 NISSAN MICRA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 27 years old, 70% of NISSAN MICRAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,273 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,070 miles.
How does the 1997 NISSAN MICRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 NISSAN MICRA has 73,070 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a NISSAN MICRA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1997 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 1997 NISSAN MICRA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN MICRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 468 | 16,266 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 10,540 | 17,646 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 8,364 | 22,724 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 13,764 | 28,831 mi |
| 2018 | 84% | 16,905 | 37,762 mi |
| 2017 | 80% | 21,797 | 41,414 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 16,327 | 37,593 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 20,028 | 45,113 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 22,597 | 50,183 mi |
| 2013 | 80% | 19,076 | 54,963 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 19,107 | 61,174 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 21,009 | 66,242 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 26,270 | 75,332 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 26,535 | 78,114 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 24,575 | 82,396 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 23,186 | 82,908 mi |
| 2006 | 74% | 30,922 | 88,685 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 27,370 | 87,328 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 19,303 | 84,423 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 17,510 | 80,670 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 13,066 | 68,980 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 7,680 | 68,798 mi |
| 2000 | 68% | 4,949 | 69,584 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 6,792 | 71,270 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 4,351 | 71,417 mi |
| 1997 | 70% | 2,273 | 73,070 mi |
| 1996 | 67% | 1,762 | 71,420 mi |
| 1995 | 70% | 1,055 | 74,079 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 806 | 74,603 mi |
| 1993 | 71% | 455 | 79,043 mi |
| 1992 | 79% | 323 | 64,989 mi |
| 1991 | 72% | 383 | 62,054 mi |
| 1990 | 70% | 352 | 70,634 mi |
Checking a specific NISSAN MICRA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 NISSAN MICRA
The 1997 NISSAN MICRA is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 2,273 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 73,070 miles at 27 years old, NISSAN MICRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 NISSAN MICRA Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 NISSAN MICRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN MICRA Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN MICRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 NISSAN MICRA
At 27 years old, the NISSAN MICRA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 1997 NISSAN MICRA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+19%) from 7,697 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (-3%) from 4,854 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (+5%) from 3,819 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (1999) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 3,483 tests