Micrabuyer's guide

The K13 Micra sells cheaply and runs cheaply — until it doesn't. Timing belt or chain neglect, a slipping clutch or juddering automatic, and slow coolant loss are the three patterns most likely to turn a bargain into a repair bill within the first year of ownership. None of them are obvious at a glance, and sellers rarely volunteer the history that would tell you which side of the line a car sits on. This guide gives you the checks to run before you hand over any money.

This guide covers ten documented issues: timing belt/chain or wet-belt service risk, manual/automatic clutch or gearbox judder, coolant leak or thermostat fault, infotainment/software electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake corrosion or ABS sensor fault, oil leak or PCV fault, boot water leak or accident repair, air conditioning leak, and recall/campaign status. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

A well-serviced K13 with a clean OBD scan is one of the lowest-cost used cars available. The guide takes roughly twenty minutes to work through at a viewing and tells you clearly whether the example in front of you has been looked after or quietly neglected.