K12 big problems...

Hi :grinning:

I bought a 2003 Micra 1.2se (petrol) about two years ago, the mileage is around 78,000, and I'm buying it on finance -- I've got another year left to pay on it. But the past year has been a Nightmare!!!


It all started off around last November; one afternoon after work I got in the car and couldn't get it to start; I couldn't get it to turn over. I kept trying, but eventually got my breakdown service out -- typically, he sat in the car and got it started up at soon as he put the key in! I went home feeling totally embarrassed, but still concerned.

Things seemed okay after that until the end of February. I got all the warning lights on the dashboard, and my car suddenly started juddering and thumping and cutting out. This time the breakdown people took a bit more interest and when they plugged the diagnostic computer in, it had a code about the cam shaft sensor. I was told I couldn't get it towed as it was still possible to drive it to the place I bought it from :wow: I only just managed to get it there, after causing a lot of annoyance on the local roads!!

I had a real stressful time after this - my car ended up being in the garage for two months :( It got passed from the garage I bought it from, to a specialist nissan dealer, and then it got palmed off to nissan tecnical bods, and none of them seemed to be able to figure out what was wrong... hmm... After many complaints and phone calls, and my car keys being reprogrammed, the nissan techies decided it was the steering column that was at fault. So I got a replacement fitted. And still my car wouldn't work! Then they decided it must be the timing chain. I am so glad I had taken out a warranty on my car!!!

I got my car back around late april. At the time I had to stop driving for a few months due to health reasons, so once I got my car back, it was on the drive for a while. I was allowed to drive again about a month ago, and I took the car for a service/MOT, to make sure my car was ok after everything it went through and after being sat around (I did turn the engine over quite often) and was looking forward to finally getting back on the road....

However...! After two days, the car broke down! I had just got off the motorway and the engine management light came on. Then the car started losing power, juddering, thumping, and cutting out. I caused yet more tailbacks but somehow managed to get home. By the time I got home the engine was making a real noise, and there was a strong smell of something burning and petrol. I got the breakdown people out again and the diagnostics said there was a cylinder fault. this time I got my car towed to the garage and ended up getting the coil pack replaced. I had to pay for this one as my warranty had just expired :glare:


I got my car back on tuesday just gone. And then yesterday morning I felt a slight judder on my way to work. I got home, but was really anxious in case something was amiss. And I was right! This morning, I got as far as the end of the road and the classic symptoms were back - all the engine/battery/oil light warnings on the dashboard, the clunking, the noise, the smell, the cutting out. This is after just a couple of days since getting it back from the garage!


I'm really at the end of my tether with this car, and don't want to keep having these constant problems, let alone the cost :eek: Plus, the people at the RAC are rapidly getting on first name terms with me :p

Is it worth my while to keep plodding on with this car and throwing what seems to be good money after bad?

Thanks x
 
Welcome to world of K12 ownership, I've had mine since July and not had a single month where it's actually worked properly, so as soon as I've got mine patched up this time, it'll hopefully become someone elses problem!!

I hope yours gets sorted out soon! I know what a pain dealing with Nissan can be!
 
Morning all, thanks for the replies (Y)

I had my first problem with the car not starting properly last November, but its really been since the end of February that things have been particularly troublesome - that's when I broke down on the middle of a busy road for the first time (I'm a seasoned regular at this now!)

I'm at the point now where, if I can get rid of this car, I will, because its cost me so much money this year, and I've hardly driven it. My only issue though is, I am still paying my finance for it :doh:
 
I suppose I should be thankful that mine is kind enough to always break down either in the process of parking or once I've parked it haha! Can imagine being stuck holding up a busy road would be a right pain. Hope it get's sorted soon for your sake!
 
Thanks (Y)

I found today I can't get the micra to turn over, let alone try and get it to a garage! I think the best thing all round really is to get rid as its costing me a fortune and it seems whatever fixes I get don't seem to be solving what must be a bigger problem. :eek: Its sad as my micra is a gorgeous little car, but I'm going to have to move on *sigh*
 
It's always sad when a car you enjoy just doesn't wanna play ball. I had a Peugeot 306dt that was a fantastic drive, but the electrics were shot.

Is suggest you find out about paying off the finance early and move on with something newer and hopefully less problematic. Maybe another k12 ;)
 
It's always sad when a car you enjoy just doesn't wanna play ball. I had a Peugeot 306dt that was a fantastic drive, but the electrics were shot.

Is suggest you find out about paying off the finance early and move on with something newer and hopefully less problematic. Maybe another k12 ;)


hehe! :laugh:

Yeah, I'm feeling sad at having to say bye to my micra, but it will be for the best. This is my first car, so it will always have a place in my mind, beyond the problems it has had me dealing with lately :p It hasn't put me off micras, I think I just had an unfortunate experience! Although... I may just have a little time away from driving one :laugh:
 
Whats your location? You can buy an OBD-II fault code reader from Ebay for £25 delivered which will give you the fault codes to work out whats wrong. If its the cam sensor then lik said earlier its the dredded timing chain stretch.
 
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