Nissan Micra Problems

This could be a rattle or vibration caused by any number of things, and very possibly to do with general wear and tear. That fact that the vibration goes away when you accelerate or take the strain off the driveline, it’s possibly down to some movement in an engine mount, transmission mount, exhaust or heat shield. But since such harmonics can travel right through the whole car, it could even be a piece of interior trim or fitting that’s rattling and vibrating.

Selecting fourth gear (overdrive in the Micra) at just 60km/h means the engine would be turning very slowly, and this is when the harmonics created would be the most noticeable. Also, the Micra’s engine is a three cylinder which is inherently a bit more vibey than some other layouts. It’s probably just a characteristic of the car rather than an actual problem. The solution is probably to use the overdrive lock-out and hold the car in third gear until you’re travelling fast enough for the vibration not to appear.

Are you talking about the cam belt, or the belt driving the alternator, water pump and other accessories? If you are talking about the latter it would usually only be changed if it was clearly worn when checked visually. If you're asking about the cam belt, the Micra has a chain, not a belt, so it doesn't need changing regularly. The only reason you might change it was if it was noisy and loose, when there's a risk that it could jump a tooth and damage the engine.

It could well be a fuse, and that’s the first thing to check.

It's hard to say without knowing the variant and year. You can get more information on quick and cheap key replacments from dealers or automotive locksmiths here.

The Micra is a cheap-and-cheerful car and the carpet is probably also cheap. Having it wear as you have had it frustrating, and it's probably unacceptable in such a short period of time. Having been to the dealer, and to Nissan, and been rejected your only course of action is to consult the consumer affairs people in Queensland.

It’s on the left rear quarter panel. If you’re unsure check your owner’s manual, it will show it, and how to open it if that’s what you’re unsure of.

The private price guide is $6000-$7500; the trade-in range is $4000-$5500; the dealer would offer around $4000. Yours, having such low kilometres, would be worth the top end of those price ranges.