I bought a 2011 Nissan Micra Diesel… Ever since childhood, I have harbored a peculiar fascination with machines—be it a car, a bike, or an engine. To me, they were not merely modes of transport; they were, in a sense, a passion. Back in the 2000s, my father owned a Bajaj Chetak, which remains one of my earliest memories. I found that scooter’s clutch and braking system to be incredibly unique. At the time, automatic scooters were the dominant sight on the roads, yet the Chetak possessed a distinct identity of its own. Regrettably, it was sold before I ever had the chance to ride it myself.
Subsequently, a second-hand scooter found its way into our home, and I quickly mastered the art of riding it. That marked my first true “moment of freedom”—the point at which I could venture out anywhere, entirely on my own terms. Some time later, my father purchased an old car, and that is precisely where my journey toward understanding automobiles began. I would often observe him intently while he drove, striving to comprehend how such a compact vehicle could effortlessly transport an entire family to any destination.
The Phase of Learning to Drive
In 2014, I moved away from my hometown to pursue my studies, though I made it a point to visit home every month. In 2015, my father began teaching me how to drive. Given that we lived in a hilly region, precise steering control was paramount; in this regard, my maternal grandfather also provided me with a great deal of assistance.
My father was not a strict instructor, yet the drills he assigned were quite challenging. Whether it involved reversing over a long distance or ascending an incline without letting the vehicle roll backward—mastering these maneuvers was no easy feat. However, it was precisely these exercises that solidified my foundation as a driver. Finally, in 2017, I obtained my driving license, although my confidence in navigating through heavy traffic remained somewhat low.
A Job and the First Vehicle
In 2018, I relocated to Chennai for work. It had been my dream to purchase a bike with my very first paycheck; however, given the prevailing circumstances, I had to exercise patience and wait. Eventually, in 2021, I purchased my first bike—a machine that taught me a great deal, particularly regarding maintenance and the inner workings of machinery.
Why a Car, Ultimately?
Over time, I realized that my driving skills weren’t quite up to par—especially in heavy traffic. Consequently, I decided to get a car of my own. My sole objective was to learn how to drive properly and gain a deeper understanding of automobiles.
Criteria for Choosing a Car
For me, purchasing a car was a well-planned decision. The budget had to be kept under ₹2.5 lakhs; the car needed to be a manual transmission, easy to maneuver in traffic, and inexpensive to maintain. Aesthetics didn’t matter much to me—what I wanted was a reliable car that was fun to drive.
Exploring Various Options
I looked at and test-drove several different cars. Some felt sturdy but seemed too bulky, while others had driving positions that just didn’t feel right. Some cars were decent but struck me as either too expensive or simply boring.
One car, in particular, impressed me greatly: the Ford Figo. Its engine and handling were superb. However, due to concerns regarding maintenance costs and certain technical issues, I eventually decided against it.
The Final Choice
After much deliberation and seeking advice, I finally settled on a pre-owned Nissan Micra Diesel. Its engine was incredibly smooth and powerful—perfect for city driving. It offered excellent responsiveness even at low RPMs, making it a breeze to drive in traffic.
The Buying Experience
Before purchasing the car, I had it inspected by a mechanic and also verified its service history. The car had clocked approximately 116,000 kilometers, but it was in good condition. After a bit of bargaining, I bought it for ₹2.1 lakhs.
Bringing my car home for the very first time was an incredibly special moment for me.
Car Experience and Performance
The Micra’s engine is its greatest asset. It offers quick throttle response and makes the driving experience truly enjoyable. It delivers a mileage of 17–18 kmpl in the city and up to 24 kmpl on the highway.
The steering is light, which proves extremely helpful when navigating through traffic. The air conditioning cools down the cabin very quickly—a major plus point given the Indian climate. However, the seats aren’t particularly comfortable for long-distance journeys, and the headlights aren’t as powerful as they could be.
Work Completed So Far
Since purchasing the car, I have carried out several essential tasks: I replaced the tires, had the engine serviced, replaced certain parts, and repaired the cooling system. These measures have significantly enhanced the car’s performance and reliability.
Future Plans
In the near future, I intend to have the car repainted and also plan to undertake a few minor upgrades. My intention is to keep this vehicle for the long term.
Lessons Learned from This Journey
This car has taught me a great deal—not just about driving, but also about maintenance, selecting the right mechanic, and gaining a true understanding of how a car works. I no longer feel intimidated by driving in heavy traffic; instead, I can now handle every situation with confidence.
All in all, this is not merely a car; it is an experience that has transformed me into a better driver and a more knowledgeable vehicle owner.
FAQs
Q. Why did you buy a car?
A. To improve my driving skills in traffic and learn more about car ownership.
Q. What was your budget?
A. Around ₹2.5 lakh.
Q. Which car did you finally choose?
A. A used Nissan Micra Diesel (2011 model).
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