Author Topic: New winter beater - 1989 Nissan Micra (Read 1739 times)

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2011, 12:39:21 pm »

So how do you register and insure these cars so easily? Don't they all have to be mechanically inspected at these old ages?

Schmengie · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2011, 03:56:52 pm »

I remember taking one of these things for a test-drive in the mid-80's. The Micra was scary-flimsy even for those days, the metal was so thin I could actually see the door skins vibrate slightly when I slammed them shut. That car felt like it was made of Reynolds Wrap, almost like you could punch a hole in it with your bare hand if you wanted to. I almost never see any of these old Micras on the road here, although Tercels of similar vintage seem relatively common. I'm truly amazed any of them survived, especially in this condition.

kenm · « **Reply #22 on:** December 03, 2011, 04:01:59 pm »

Quote from: johngenx on December 02, 2011, 10:36:18 pm

What's the little box with wires coming out of the dash, driver's left?

That's the flux capacitor, which explains how the Micra suddenly appeared in the year 2011.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #23 on:** December 03, 2011, 09:54:58 pm »

A guy I used to work with had one of these. He sank a lot of money into his... rims, chrome, exhaust, the whole thing... I could never wrap my head around why he would do such a thing.

It'll make a great winter beater, though.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #24 on:** December 03, 2011, 11:01:13 pm »

Quote from: PJungnitsch on December 03, 2011, 12:39:21 pm

So how do you register and insure these cars so easily? Don't they all have to be mechanically inspected at these old ages?

I never did register the Corolla or the Jeep. My old LeBaron came with a safety inspection so I was ok. Cheapest car I've ever owned - cost under $300 including purchase, plate and maintenance/repair (battery replacement) for 7 months. I once owned a Mazda B2000 for 4 weeks because after that insurance demanded a safety inspection. Still was cheaper than renting a truck. The Micra is registered, insured and I have three weeks to get a safety done. I think it will be do-able with not too much work.

bridgecity · « **Reply #25 on:** December 04, 2011, 01:43:23 am »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on December 03, 2011, 11:01:13 pm

The Micra is registered, insured and I have three weeks to get a safety done. I think it will be do-able with not too much work.

The mechanical inspections are a joke in AB and SK, and a money grab. I've pulled several vehicles from AB to SK and vice versa with items I KNEW that needed work, and never had an issue. As long as the air bag light isn't flashing and they can steer it into the garage door, you are good!

Arthur, have fun and enjoy. I always look forward to your automobile adventures.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #26 on:** December 04, 2011, 11:08:44 am »

I've had the opposite experience - I will make the car perfect safety wise and they will find at least one thing that "needs" done. On my old Hilux truck they insisted on rewiring the signal and parking lights to swap. Annoying but cheaper than paying for another safety somewhere else ... and they know it.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2011, 03:27:47 pm »

Yeah, I'm thinking with the old Mazda pickup I'll end up donating it to the kidney foundation or selling it to a scrapyard rather than trying to sell it. It would need parking brake cables for sure if someone buys it, never mind the smoking engine.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #28 on:** December 04, 2011, 06:48:49 pm »

Your Weber is probably worth a few bucks ... probably more than truck. If you donate it put the old carb back on.

5 Wheel Drive · « **Reply #29 on:** December 05, 2011, 12:17:27 pm »

Wow...I couldn't tell you the last time I saw one of those!

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #30 on:** December 22, 2011, 03:06:44 pm »

A couple bonus photos. I love this car! Lots of fun to drive. Rather like a 2/3 scale VW Golf. I had to put the stupid 12" wheels back on.

I was able to straighten the front bumper a bit. I used the sophisticated method of attaching the tow hook on the one side to chain and then to a suitable cemented in steel pole. Then just reverse back and forth a few times. With some minor whiplash it is less lopsided.

The previous owner nicknamed it "The Dragon" after this and another decal (spells out Dragon on the rear window). A rather grand name for an unassuming little car. It is a brand of snowboard/ski goggles. Interesting that a brand goggles can inspire such loyalty as you'd use their logo to decorate your car with.

On another note this car is great fun to drive. Very toss-able and work the engine without really brake any traffic laws. I would like to add a tach though. Might wire an old Lada Niva one I have. The wife doesn't like it as it does look quite shabby. Hopefully I can make it look a little less rough over the next few months.

Sorry for the lousy photo but the sun was shining harshly. My Micra next to a 1959 Cadillac. The Micra is actually a little taller but much shorter.

safristi · « **Reply #31 on:** December 22, 2011, 03:22:18 pm »

I'm just hoping you don't run into a SNOWMAN head on....you could be eating iced carrots for weeks..............NHTSA safety rating -100

.... drive safely and NO DENTS!!! allowed inside except ART.....

richink · « **Reply #32 on:** December 23, 2011, 08:48:22 am »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on December 02, 2011, 03:56:46 pm

Happily I found about $2.12 in the car so I've reduced my purchase price by over one percent!

When I used to manage car dealerships, we had this one cleaner who would remove the back seat on every vehicle that was traded in. He was after pocket change and little "treasures" that fall in between the seat cushions. One day he found a watch and another a $100 bill.

Micra's were fun little things. Not really meant to do highway speeds but a great around town bomber.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #33 on:** December 23, 2011, 10:42:06 am »

I found a further $3 in the glovebox too!

ktm525 · « **Reply #34 on:** December 23, 2011, 01:31:20 pm »

Nice work. This car has me recalling my wife's old NX1600. Had NO options but was a great commuter for us for many years. I sold it to my brother who hauled lumber in it while doing a deck/fence project. After many more hard years he finall killed it.

The Micra looks like fun. Just hope nothing ever hits you or you are done. I think a mountain bike would get the better of a collision.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #35 on:** January 01, 2012, 03:21:49 pm »

I love it! A buddy had an old Micra back in high school, and it was affectionately known as the 'micra-dot'...LOL

Gamefreak · « **Reply #36 on:** January 01, 2012, 04:27:36 pm »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on December 22, 2011, 03:06:44 pm

There's something...fitting...about this backdrop

DKaz · « **Reply #37 on:** January 01, 2012, 08:38:34 pm »

Great little car. I wanted one as my first car back in high school 12 years ago but my dad wouldn't let me get one. Looking back, I should've just bought one anyway, it was my money after all. I was forced to buy a Sentra.

safristi · « **Reply #38 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:45:38 am »

Quote from: Gamefreak on January 01, 2012, 04:27:36 pm

Quote from: Arthur Dent on December 22, 2011, 03:06:44 pm

There's something...fitting...about this backdrop

Now Now that's Arthurs Summer residence. Top to Bottom A/C

...note the ladder to the roof top (blow up paddling pond) POOL and Jacuzzi (add a coke bottle and some baking powder).....

.....

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #39 on:** January 03, 2012, 10:22:51 am »

Got the 13" wheels back on the front. Working on the rears tonight. As far as crashing - yeah it is very tin can-ish. I wouldn't commute in it in Calgary but Lethbridge I feel more comfortable in it.