NISSAN MICRA (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,680 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
7,680
Avg Mileage
68,798 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 2001 NISSAN MICRA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 23 years old, 69% of NISSAN MICRAs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,680 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,798 miles.
How does the 2001 NISSAN MICRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 NISSAN MICRA has 68,798 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2001 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 2001 NISSAN MICRA
The 2001 NISSAN MICRA is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 7,680 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 68,798 miles at 23 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.
2001 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 2001 NISSAN MICRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2001 NISSAN MICRA
At 23 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%. With 7,680 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2001 NISSAN MICRA
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2003) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 21,166 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2003) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 20,755 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2003) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 14,521 tests