Nissan Pixo road tests and consumer car reviews

Nissan Pixo 2010

My tyre has gone on my car after 10.000 miles. Nissan said the car is fine and this doesn’t come under the warranty so therefore it’s up to me to buy the new tyre. I will be printing off all these complaints and going back to my garage.

Nissan Pixo 2010

I have been driving cars, vans, m/cycles and motorhomes for more years than I want to remember I needed a small car and I only bought the Pixo after a lot of dithering because of the bad revues, but the low price was the deciding factor. I have owned my Pixo for 12 months and it has nearly 8000 miles on the clock. It’s a great little car, which drives well and holds the road like the proverbial to a blanket. I’m a little disappointed with the MPG, 45 Urban and 59 on long motorway runs. This year I have driven this car in 10 different Euopean countries and 7 capital cities, not counting the UK and I have never needed to top up the radiator or oil levels since the car was new. Also the tyre wear is less than I expected for the mileage covered. That’s my baby! Forget the doom and gloom merchants I would buy another Pixo.

Nissan Pixo 2009

Bring back the Nissa Micra 999cc please! I’m surprised Nissan dare put their name to this trundling bathtub. I trap my fingers regularly in what passes for door pockets, can’t see through the rear window when it rains as the rear wiper only sweeps the left hand side of the window. The rear window ledge issues a mighty thump each time you pass over the tiniest bump. To be quite honest I can’t really give it a star rating as it doesn’t deserve one. I hope number one is the lowest rating - it would be nice if you told us what the numbers signify.

Responses to this review

Acting on behalf of a friend who bought a Nissan Pixo and is now regretting change after needing a new clutch after only 3340 miles in 18 months at a cost of £900. She wishes she had her old Toyota of 15 years with very little problems. Do not buy a Pixo, pleeeeeease! - John Sadler from Surrey

Nissan Pixo nTec 2010

I have had my Pixo for 10 months, had an engine mounting bracket replacement in Oct 2010, rear wash fault (leaking into footwell) in December 2010. Low and behold had to go to the dealer today as engine mounting bracket fault once again. We always bought Nissan before but I must say I am looking at buying a citreon from now on.

Responses to this review

We have had our Pixo now for about 18 months. It’s had the wet foot problem and the engine mounting problem. The washer pipe was easy to repair and has not failed again. The engine mounting is another matter. Both the Suzuki and Nissan dealers who are supplying what is in effect the same vehicle are changing engine mountings in the hope rather than the certainty that it will cure the problem. Some Suzuki Altos have had four mountings changed with no cure if you check out the Suzuki4u website you will see what I mean. My second mounting rattles occasionally but don’t see the point in changing it until Nissan UK can guarantee a cure. What I would do is log your complaint with Nissan and get an incident number so you will go on the faults database - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Just had my second engine mounting bracket replaced today. I’ve contacted Nissan direct. I reported the problem to them, who in turn contacted the local dealership. Let’s hope this repair works this time. As a goodwill gesture, the local dealership have agreed to give me a discounted service on my car - Pauline Gibson from Lincolnshire

Nissan Pixo nTec 2010

Wow, this car’s getting a bit of a kicking isn’t it? I bought mine pre-registered with 300 miles on the clock. My current financial circumstances dicated that I should sell my C Class and buy something sensible, after some shopping around I bought the Pixo, with no regrets. It’s not perfect, I too have had the wet drivers footwell but I pretty quickly worked out that if the rear washer didn’t appear to work I should stop trying to make it. A quick look under the dashboard solved the problem. It’s reasonably well made, it drives well although maybe the steering is a bit on the light side. Yes, the boot is small, it’s a small car, what do you expect? I wish it had a proper glovebox, I’ve ordered one from Suzuki, I’m reassured it’ll be a perfect fit. I was concerned that the plastic may be a different colour but that’s not the case. I’m getting 55mpg and it’s getting better as the miles pass. The engine feels much more free now that I have covered more than 1000 miles, it revs much more willingly so it feels nippier. It’s still on the noisy side until you’re in 5th gear and cruising at 50 or more. It’s not unpleasant, just different. Consider this, I paid £5900 for what was effectivly a brand new car, it’s the cheapest of it’s kind to buy, insure, tax, drive. There are cheaper cars to tax but they’re 1000’s more to buy. After being a Mercedes driver for many years I have no regrets about buying a Pixo. Buy one, buy one, buy one!!!

Responses to this review

55mpg - the car is adverised at doing 74 mpg extra urban, so why is it only doing 55? Mine does between 50 and 55 extra urban, a far cry from what is advertised - Elise from Cambridgeshire

I should also say, further to the comments about a glove box/lack of, I bought one from Suzuki and fitted it myself, I’m not unhappy with it but think about it before you spend the money, it’s fiddly to fit and a bit too flimsy for the job, a couple of tabs broke off meaning that it’s not as secure as it ought to be but I’m pretty sure that with some patience, which I don’t have right now, I can repair it - Shaun Tate from Yorkshire

Further to my previous comments, I had my Pixo for 11 months and 15,000 miles, apart from the previously mentioned foot shower it’s been faultless. I’m just finding the boot a bit small for my current needs but honestly I can’t find anything I want to change it to, I just can’t justify spending the money. Buy a Pixo, I love it! - Shaun Tate from Yorkshire

Nissan Pixo N-Tec Auto 2010

Well where do I begin! The car worked fine up until I took the car in for its first service. Since then the car is starting to fall to bits, but it is not just the car it is the customer care as well. First the problems with the car. 1). Fuel Performance is down to around 37mpg from around 50mpg (Along way from the promise of 57-60mpg for the automatic). I was getting around 330 miles per 30litre tank...now I am getting if I am lucky 240 miles per 30litre tank before the fuel light comes on. 2). Car is struggling to start, and sometimes does not start at all. 3). Weird engine noise has started in the passed 3 months. Sounds like an air gun popping when I come to a stand still with the car in the drive position. 4). Electric window keeps getting stuck whenever it is damp. 5). Finally the paintwork...paid the extra money to have the car covered in guardX...result of this has been poor. Scratches and marks all over the bodywork. Right on to the customer service: The Nissan dealership in Epsom keep telling me the car is working fine. It is my fault somehow! I do the same journey day in day out, but the excuses I have had so far from them are: 1). Its my driving style - That’s funny as I have been driving in the very same car for 6 months and then all of a sudden it goes bad. Have I changed that much then? 2). It’s the weather - Umm, I know that you use a little extra fuel in the winter, but not an extra 70-80 miles worth of fuel per tank. 3). I have been stuck in traffic - Funny as I don’t remember them being in my car on my journeys! The other thing about customer care. Everytime I have taken the car back since, I say will someone please call me when the car is ready to pick up. They have never called me to let me know, which drives me mad as I have to call and then they happen to be on lunch and they say don’t worry someone will call as soon as your car is ready...Like hell they do! Just fed up with this car and the dealership telling me the car is fine and that if anything was wrong it would have shown up on they computer test! What now? I wish I had my old Mercedes back! Worse car I have ever had...avoid!

Responses to this review

How odd, both ex. Merc drivers but with opposite opinions. I’d like my Merc back too but as a cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to... well, cheap to everything I am, so far, very happy with my Pixo - Shaun Tate from Yorkshire

I had a Pixo from new for a year, had all the problems that all you guys have had and more, they just keep on coming. Mine too was in the garage, in fact I think they had it more than I did. Eventually the dealer succumbed to my constant complaining (which was called for) and between themselves and Nissan UK they exchanged my Pixo for a Micra N Tec - no extra monies to pay, what a relief. Wish I had stuck with my Micra before. Having said that I did at times enjoy the Pixo, it does what it says on the tin, it’s cheap and don’t we all know it. Don’t give up, keep at them till they give in - Jenny from England

Nissan Pixo 2010

I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH, DO NOT BUY A PIXO!!!! I have had nothing but trouble since I bought it in Aug 2010, like above problems include: Soaked front carpets, car freezing on inside, cuttting out on hills, fuel consumption awful, loud banging from OSF, exhaust rattling around and the engine is so noisy you cannot talk to a passenger!! I have now come to the conclusion that trading it in and losing money on it is the only option!! Made in India and it shows, shoddy inferior workmanship. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!

Nissan Pixo n-Tec 2010

Firstly can I say that the poor little Pixo is getting a bit of a raw deal. It has its short comings but what cars don’t? I purchased my Pixo n-Tec last year as an unknown quantity. I needed a new car to take me to and from work as cheaply as possible. I was looking at a Fiat Panda or a Peugeot 107, but the Panda was beyond my means and the 107 I though was too expensive for what you got. The little Pixo is such a cheap new car with so much equipment for the initial outlay especially in n-tec spec. Air Con, Power steering, electric front windows, front fog lights, remote central locking, 4 airbags, ABS, split folding rear seats, CD/MP3 player and a 5 door body, what more do you want for under £8000? The equivelant equiped 107 is nearly £2000 more. Once you have bought the car you get 3 years warranty, you pay group 2 insurance and after the first 12months the road tax is only £20 a year! Yes the plastics inside are a bit cheap, but the little Pixo is only pulled along by a 3 cylinder engine so I would rather get the extra MPG and speed from it being light than have thick heavy plastic to make the car slower and less frugal on fuel. The boot is small, but so is the boot on the 107, C1 and Toyota Aygo, but if you want a bigger boot then buy a bigger car. I have read some reviews concerning rattles and poor build quality. Please remember this is a budget supermini built in India, it’s also 3 cylinder so its not going to idle that smoothly making any loose bits rattle, but I feel the Pixo is well screwed together and any problems can get sorted within the 3 year warranty. The Pixo shares its existence with its sister, the Suzuki Alto, this car is built in India at the the same factory as the Pixo, and shares everything with the Pixo except the front and rear bumper and bonet. On this very website there is not one bad review of the Alto even though its the same car, why is this? Nissan has hit the nail on the head with this car, it’s well equiped, has 5 doors, its nippy round town and quiet even above 60mph and most of all its very cheap to run. All in all the Pixo is a quirky little car that deserves a better review than it keeps getting. If you think the Pixo is not what your after, then feel free to pay a lot more money for its rivals, but be prepare to get a lot less.

Nissan Pixo 2006

I pray that anyone reading this, who is thinking about buying this car take a strong warning and look else where (ie: buy a different car). I also hope that Nissan reads this and learns from it’s customer. I bought this car for a whopping 8/9k (what I sad fool I am) This is an extremely poorly built car. The windshield freezes up in winter on the INSIDE. I’m just talking about a small amount of ice on the inside (that a rag will wipe away), but a mass of thick ice that can only be cleared with de-icer chemical (imagine that on the interior and dash) or by using a plastic scrapper (again, leaving the dash covered in snow-like powder). It takes me on average 30 to 35 minutes before being able to drive off for any journey. It is VERY clear that the quality windscreen and surrounding door ceils are very poor. On whole the car is badly insulated. Various lights including the indicators and reversing lights stop for periods of time and upon investigation; this looks to be a case of water fuseing out the lights due to the poor quality wires and poor quaility housing used. On the rear light clusters; naked wires can be seen at the point of where the wire hits the bulb connector holders (so bear wires and condensation do not go together well). Nissan are useless in resolving this and seem only bothered in offering me another "health support check" - which is their excuse for trying to make me feel better and look over the car. After the health check; all is ok for about 5 weeks - until things work there way loose again through the daily driving. The roads in the UK just shake this car to bits. I’ve had SIX health visits. Crazy !! As for the foot shower- yes ! several times. I am now also get crackling and knocking noises from various parts of the car which are starting to concern me. Avoid this car. For the money you can easily buy something else brand new, which is of far better build. Mazda, Kia, Toyota, etc, etc.. I feel stupid for buying this car !!! What must I have been thinking?? Nissan’s false promises! AVOID !!!!!!

Responses to this review

Man! Too late! I bought this car and took it to the dealer after having made complaint within seven days of purchase and found faults. Noise from wheel, rust, steering/wheel not tracking properly... The dealer has my car and so far has not told me what they intend to do. It’s nearly two weeks now. I have asked for my money back and wish I had seen the comments by the good people here. I for one am not happy with Nissan or their dealer. Can anyone tell me where I stand legally and under Nissan’s sale contract? Firoz Mulji from England

Same issue for me... my car has been in AGAIN folks to Nissan... again again again... you kinda get the idea. Today it went in for two faults 1) being the reversing light failure 2) the inside of the car being absolutely soaked through as the pipe that supplies the back screen washer has burst under pressure and emptied the contents of the screen washer bottle INSIDE the car all over the carpet - ie: water is everywhere. Nissan today told me that they have to remove everything from the car (ie: seats, carpet, trim) to replace the supply pipe from the front of the car to the rear of the car (so a fairly messy job). This is now our SEVENTH return for repair work in relation to the screen washer unit. Nissan do not want to take responsibility to owners for this and in my opinion are useless. Aviod Nissan! Buy something else!!! The next time I take the car back... it will be at 40 mph through the showroom window!! - Rob from Lancashire

Our Pixo is in the dealership in pieces, literally. After six failed attempts to fix a leak at the second dealership, we took the car to a third dealer. This dealer seems somewhat better and have water tested the car to discover that the windscreen seal is defective and as a result, the car has been stripped down inside to dry out the soaked electrics, replace the carpet which is under 1 inch of rain water. We will be without the car for a week at least. To make the matter worse, we tried to sell the car to another car manufacturer, but upon completion of a HPI report on our car, they discovered that finance was showing on the car (but we didn’t take finance out on the car as we paid cash to a main dealer) - now we have the a hassle of clearing this finance off the car, whatever it is. Avoid, avoid, avoid - Rob from Lancashire

Nissan Pixo 2010

Hi all, I bought a nissan pixo for my mum as a present, she’s never had a new in over 45 years of driving so I thought it would be a fabulous present to give her, I bought it brand spanking new from the dealer with lots of nice little extras... Electric windows, power steering etc. so the top price. We had a rattle with it from the second day after purchase, the rattle being worse from a cold start, this gradually got more noticeable as time has gone on, we have now been back and to on 4 occasions this is only the second month we have had it. It has had an exhaust replaced, a plastic wheel arch fixed that was loose and now it has gone in to have a its engine mount fixed. All I have been told are nothing to worry about... funny then that I have lost confidence in the car, lost confidence in Nissan, the present for my mum has basically been ruined and the shine of that has been taken away. I fear that the quality of Nissan is no longer what it used to be after the chief executive went through his cost cutting exercise "Le cost killer" indeed, also "Le quality killer". I will be writing to him to thank him.

Responses to this review

Hi Polly, I am shocked that you have had such a bad time with your Pixo, what has been the outcome with the car? You are correct with the quality not being what you would expect from Nissan as the car is a rebadged Suzuki Alto that’s actually built in India. I gather Nissan have been frantically trying to sort out the rattle, did they succeed? I tried a few cars before I came across the Pixo. I was interested in a Peugeot 107, but to get one in a 5 door body with everything the Pixo n-tec has was going to cost me £3000 pounds more. The 107 is no more refined than the Pixo and inside, there is just too much painted metal on show. So I think that the Pixo is a bargain! I hope your Mum has started to enjoy her car at last and any worries about it have been sorted - W Goldsmith from Herefordshire

Nissan Pixo 2009

I live in Flanders (Belgium) which is mostly flat. Over these roads the car is very nippy. However I took it to the UK on holiday and found that it performed terribly uphill with just myself and one passenger. I too have the rattle which appeared after the petrol tank recall. In wet weather the windows steam up terribly and take ages to clear with the fan. When it snowed here there was more ice on the interior than the exterior. The boot flap/cover is annoying as it keeps falling off or dropping down as I load in my shopping. I had roof bars installed with a so-called ’security lock’. After a couple of days one was gone. On one occasion the steering lock got jammed whilst I was parked. In conclusion the car is great to drive on the flat in dry weather but appalling in hilly conditions and the wet.

Nissan Pixo 2009

Bought a 59 plate Pixo from new. Very good on fuel, giving around 55 mpg despite me having a heavy right foot! Common faults include the water leak in the drivers foot well - which was the washer pipe blowing off and the fuel tank sender which were replaced under warranty. Now at 13000 miles a loud road noise has started and Nissan have found a faulty wheel bearing on the front. Garage have been great and are fixing it under warranty but they are doubtful whether they will replace the worn tyre caused by the dodgy wheel bearing. Keep an eye on tread wear on the front tyres as this seems excessive considering the mileage! Overall a good car that represents value for money at a cheap price despite the little quirks... 20 pound road tax for the year is a bonus.

Nissan Pixo 2009

Very much as others have said, had about 12 micras, good car, but when I was called Noddy that did it for me. I like the shape, good on fuel, been back to dealers like others, but things seem to be ok now. Got nice suprise on taxing it, twenty pounds for twelve months, can’t be bad. It seems very good using petrol, my service man tells me it’s not got the same build quality as the micra, but if like me you don’t keep them more than three yrs it’s not a problem. The interior trim seems ok, I don’t remember the micras being much better. Nissan seem to have revamped the micra in everything but its shape, but of course, the price has gone up significantly. I think in conclusion remembering that with any new model you are going to get annoying little hiccups, it’s a nice little car, and in no way matches a new skoda I bought some yrs back when the dealer did not want it back. I really felt sorry for the poor sap who eventually bought it.

Nissan Pixo N- tec 2010

I am on my second pixo in the last year as the first one got written off in an acccident, but on both cars the front tyres wore excessively on the outside. The tyres on the first one had to be replaced at 9000 and on the second car at 7000. The tracking has been checked ok and Nissan said that they had not received any complaints about front tyre wear. Has anyone else experienced this problem as the dealership and Nissan don’t seem to want to know as they say mine must be an exception.

Responses to this review

You might consider asking a Suzuki dealer - they have more cars on the road and have been selling them longer. Outer edge wear usually indicates too much toe in which suggests the tracking is out. Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

My Pixo’s front tyres started wearing on the outside so I rotated the wheels according to the manual and got the tracking adjusted. I drive carefully and am monitoring the tyres now. The tread does seem to be going down quickly for a light car that is driven carefully - Richard Taylor from Norfolk

My Pixo has just had an engine mount fixed and the rear washer fixed for a 2nd time. Also notice that front tyres are worn at each side - not bad considering it’s only done 6,000 mile since I bought it - F B from Lanarkshire

I have the same problem with the front tyres wore excessively on the outside. It started after 7,500 miles. It’s not a very good car but it’s a company car. The engine is very noisy and after about 8,000 miles, it started to have a strange noise like something is shaking when it is under accelerated - Alex Balint from England

Nissan Pixo Tekna 2009

PURCHASED THIS excuse for a car in Sept ’09 and have had all the same probs that have already been posted plus a few more. I have been on to the most unhelpful people at Nissan UK without any joy so I had to trade in and take the big hit but at least I have gone back to what I had before so I know what I am getting. PLEASE DO NOT BUY A PIXO YOU CAN DO A LOT BETTER FOR LESS MONEY (CHECK REVIEWS).

Nissan Pixo accenta 2009

Bought Aug 1st 09 on scrappage scheme from a multi-franchise country wide dealership because my Suzuki dealer could not supply a base model. This was really the worst bit of the Pixo experience. Only when I got Nissan Uk involved did the things progress. I chose the base model in berry red (£400 extra paint choice, what a rip off) with no gadgets deliberately as I consider that air con electric mirrors are not essential to economical motoring, just got power steering which I could not avoid. As an old school driver the car was ’run in’ very carefully for 1500 mls. After that I got exactly what I wanted with 4500mls on the clock the performance and fuel economy has improved dramaticaly. Initially it rapidly ran out of steam hill climbing which involved much gear changing and took it a lot of revs to avoid stalling on take off. Now completely transformed . Getting 58 mpg. It’s never been or ever will go near a motorway or very rarely carry rear seat passengers so can not comment about its suitability in those circumstances. Yes I also got a wet foot insufficent addative in the washer bottle let the water freeze at the rear jet blowing off the pipe, easy to fix. Numerous rattles especially on take off were traced to plastic under tray in engine bay been insufficently clipped. Initially I suspected the engine mounting assy but a couple of cable ties cured it. The recall was handled by an independent dealer who did not supply the car. The part was ordered Monday fitted Wednesday with offer of loan car while work was done. I would have liked to change the petrol flap to a key locking system and used the cable to operate the boot lid. My wife and I find it a fun car to drive, easy to park and get in and out of. Good value for the money. From the other comments I suspect a large group of multi-franchised dealerships are the weak link in customer satisfaction.

Responses to this review

UPDATE: Now at 7000 mls, engine took 5000 mls to really spin freely. Performs really well now and encourages you push it along. Around 55 / 65 mpg depending on right foot technique. Now ready 12 month service. Nothing too extra to be checked. Tyre and front brake pad wear minimal, front pads were noisey under gentle breaking during the cold weather. Received another recall notice so all seems not well in Nissan customer care/ service dept. Will see how their dealership perform when it goes in for service - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Hi Tony, I really admire your positive views of the pixo eg 1.no glove box cover no problem make your own. 2 foot shower easy fix.3 front end rattle no bother fixed with cable ties. 4 three recalls in a year is down to a problem with Nissan care/service dept, when in fact it is down to major faults or they would not have to recall. 5 falken make good tyres for touring cars etc. when the fact is the sincera is a budget tyre. 6 lucky you have only covered 7000 miles in first year.as the pixo has a 9000/12month service interval lower than any other car in its class, I wonder why? - John from Scotland

1). Glove box there for all to see before you buy 2). Foot shower drivers fault, incorrect de iceing mix in washer bottle (weather conditions were extreme), rear jet froze blowing off pipe at sleeve connector in foot well. 3). Plastic trays will rattle if insufficently clipped, no big deal and easily fixed 4). All my recalls have been for the same problem, obviously not logged in system correctly. 5). Tyres reckon i’ll get 40 000+ mls 6 Service intervals 10000 12 months is about right anything more is pushing luck rather than build quality. Do motorist check their oil, tyres etc., these days between services? Seems there are very expensive repairs needed due to lack of simple checks. I bought cheap and cheerful, that’s what I got - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

HI MR CHEAP AND CHEERFUL. It seems you are really up for defending your Pixo but please read your own reviews, faults included and still say this is acceptable for a car that starts in the £7000s i.e foot shower probably owners fault... it would not come off if fitted properly - dealer solved it in mine with... wait for it... a cable tie. Yes, and plastic under trays will rattle if not fitted properly but no proplem again easily solved with that wonder in car maintenance - THE CABLE TIE! And I had 2 recalls in 5 months: first a wiring problem and come to think of it was told by dealer there was loose wiring. I wonder if the mighty cable tie came into play again. Second was for a leak at fuel sender unit - I hope this was not solved with a cable tie. And as for value for money, try a Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo and get a far better car for same or less money... and no need for a cable tie - John from Scotland

Yes John, now you’ve hit the point but I paid considerably less than £7000. At the top of the range about £9000 there are better, but none of the batch you mention are trouble free with water leaks the main problem and as it’s the same car they all have the same problems. As with all cars there can be problems look at the quality leader Toyota. It’s how the dealer tackles the problem that matters and from the posts it seems that where the Pixo falls down. Let’s agree to differ and let some one else have their say - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Now into the third year of Pixo motoring and the car has just had its second service. Very efficiently carried out by a local dealer. The car is used mainly by my wife with me getting the occasional drive. We have both been very happy with the car. Yes, we had a wet foot and a rattling engine mounting but we both think the car is fun to drive economical to run and good value for money. We just want a basic car without the electronic gimmicks, air con, alloy wheels etc which is what we got. Yes, we would buy another. Since its service, we have had the roadside assist extended foc. A satisfaction survey from both the dealer and Nissan Uk - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Nissan Pixo 2010

I have just ordered my Pixo, I mean what do these guys that write bad reviews expect from a cheap car? it isn’t a BMW!!!!! I think it’s lovely and can’t wait for mine to come! I have the accenta which comes with alloys and parking sensors, then I chose to have the bluetooth system in mine because I never answer the phone when I drive and it cost me 10.900euros!! I ordered mine white and I have named her ALBA. I think that they are happy cars and worth the money. Malta is a very hot country and we need cars with a/c, plus our roads are a disaster so it’s no use buying expensive cars. I had a maruti 800 and I bloody miss it, my go cart she was, named Nikki. I don’t have one bit of something bad to say, she was made in India. Well done India, she was fantasic and I am proud to say that I owned one! I currently have a ATOS Hyundai, it is 10 yrs old and I am going to miss it alot, her inside material is the same quality as the pixo, and it is still the same as when I first bought it. Not even one scratch. Everybody keeps saying cheap material, well let me tell you something my husband has a Fiat Punto and all the upholstery is bubbling up and they are not cheap here in Malta believe me because it costs about 14000euros. I dont mind its material inside, you get what you pay for at the end of the day. I still think it’s good value for money because at least it is a very economical car. It was hard at first for me to choose between the Alto and the Pixo, but then when I saw the Pixo it was love at first site, it is slighty larger than the Alto and the finishings are much better, plus my mum and my husband both prefer Nissan to Suzuki!! I
 think I did the best buy, and I will tell ppl that it is worth the money!! I give it a 10/10, well done Nissan.

Responses to this review

Hi Christine, I note you have given this car 10 out of 10, although you have not yet recd. delivery. I honestly hope you feel as good about it in 6 months time - Anne Rouse from Lanarkshire

Well, I got my car and she is exactly what i paid for!! I love it!!! I go anywhere, at any time, and find parking, nice ride, cool stereo, for me better than any car I have had and if i wanted something more then that, then i would have had to pay more, but she is perfect!! I’ve already said that people who write bad reviews about this car paid what? 7000 sterling, then you should have paid more and got something better!! but for me she is perfect, and even more than I expected!!!! Everybody looks at it when they see it, the white spray is awsome, the alloys are beautiful. For me paying 10,900 euros for it, was worth every penny!! Christine from Malta

Hi Christinem I’m glad you are happy with your car. I was with mine for about 2 months, then the problems started and I paid over 9000 gbp as it was a Tekna model [top of range] and would also like to to point out that it is a rebagged Alto so is not bigger or better finished. I can also say that there are many cars priced same or less that get far better reviews from motoring press - for example the i10, the Picanto, the Twingo and others... they all have longer service intervals as well plus have world renouned tyre brands fitted as standard unlike the Pixo - Annew Rouse from Lanarkshire

My Pixo is on Falken Sincera tyres. Falken produce excellent tyres for some very high quality cars and produce excellent tyres for the sports and touring racing car scene - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Falken may well make a good tyre but the Sincera is a budget range tyre, the cheapest of their range - John from Scotland

Nissan Pixo Acentia 2009

I bought mine as an ex-showroom courtesy car about a month ago with 470 miles on the clock. I payed £6995 and traded in my old Vauxhall for £1000. I have a 100 mile round trip to make at least 3 times a week so fuel economy is important to me. The Pixo doesn’t disappoint, I’m spending around half the amount on petrol per journey compared to my old car. There is only me, my laptop and lunch box to get to work so the question of passanger comfort and boot space isn’t an issue. Had I needed another family car I would have gone for something bigger, as it is this suites me fine. It’s comfortable to drive, performs well enough and I haven’t had any problems with it (although it’s still early days). I think I got a good little car for the money.

Nissan Pixo 2009

Like some of the other reviews written I too am very disappointed in the Pixo well saying disappointed that is a laugh. I have had a Micra for last 18 years or so and yes they have had a few minor problems but not compared to the Pixo. Made in India with the Suzuki Alto so which car is it exactly????? Bought this in October 09 new and since then it has been in the garage every month,and they think this is acceptable because it is under WARRANTY, big deal. Like many I have had my feet washed only this was in the cold snap and the car froze up inside due to the amount of water in the carpet, needless to say they blamed the weather looking at the other reviews this is not so. It has had the front windscreen seal replaced, the brakes checked,the dashboard was vibrating that meant whole dash taken out and packed, recalled for the problem with the petrol tank, and best of all yep the RATTLE that no one but the drivers can hear. It is in today for the 3rd rattle test and as Anne’s complaint having the same treatment the mounting. Am I hopeful? NO. Nissan Uk dont want to take responsibility nor do the Dealers so someone has to ME. I have never felt that this has ever been a new car or it even feeling like mine in garage more times than enough. I have part finance on my car and have now taken it up with them to help me out. So come you Guy’s and Girls who are having problems lets get them sorted and contact Watchdog like Priscilla states and try and get something out of this and not just a box of CHOCS. Whose with us on this?

Responses to this review

I know exactly where you’re coming from, I bought my Nissan Pixo N-Tec brand new in March 2010 and I seem to be constantly getting wet feet, I only took it in 2 weeks ago for them to hook up the back windscreen washer as my footwell was soaked, great for a long drive to London and back with no back windscreen washer!! Yet again I have wet feet today and they say bring it in, we’ll sort it. It’s a 30min drive and I’m sick of it. Also, I had the RAC out and they said it sounds like a diesel car when it starts up, not a nice quiet small new car, which made me wonder. Why are Nissan not sorting the washer in the footwell once and for all?? Does anyone know where I stand on this or who I need to complain to?? Any help appreciated. The other joke, I just phoned for a quote on my 2nd service @ 18000miles and Nissan quoted £260, I nearly dropped through the floor - Claire Higgs from Lincolnshire

Nissan Pixo N Tec 2009

Bought this car 3 months old with 1000 miles on the clock for £6000 for my wife. I recently sold my Audi A6 and am awaiting delivery of a replacement car in April, as such I have covered about 1500 miles in the last 4 weeks on my normal commute to East London. I expected the worst and am amazed how little I dislike this car! Build Quality: Seems sturdy, deals well with the pot holes on the route in, easily to keep clean and as such is much more dog/kid proof than other cars. Drive Quality - Surprisingly nippy if you work the gears, accelerates to 70mph in 4th and onto 85mph in 5th without any major hassle. I rarely have to move out of the fast lane on the M11 during rush hour. Handling - As you would expect from such a small car it is easy to drive around down and the turning circle is minute, driving on country roads is fun and you feel secure. The only time the car feels like it is working hard is on a roundabout. Amenities - What Amenities? This is the worst point about this car there are several things I just don’t get, even for a cheap car: No glove box; No ability to dim rear view mirror; No ariel as default While it could be contended that the first point is expensive and a choice the second and third items would add perhaps £5 to the cost of the car. Fuel Consumption: I believe the combined cycle is meant to be 68mpg, I achieve about 58mpg, considering my driving style I think this is more than acceptable. Engine/Road Noise: Yes, but it is a 3 cylinder engine so it is to be expected if you work it hard, I’ve never found it hard to talk to a passenger and the CD covers it up if I want to when alone. All in all the car is a lot better than expected for the money and I actually enjoy driving it in every morning, its not the most refined of cars but it performs well, has been totally reliable and is well suited to a run around or commute car due its low running costs and high economy. PS. In my opinion those claiming this car is underpowered are just not changing gears at the right time, for example this car needs to stay in 3rd until at least 45, 4th till at least 65-75 etc, if you change into 5th at 60 it will no doubt take a year to reach a decent speed.

Responses to this review

Glad you’re happy with your purchase and agree with your view on cost cutting glove box etc., although I think they are taking it too far with the tyres; why no brand name as all other cars in Nissan range have them fitted? Thank you for your driving tips but as I reported I also drive a Peugeot 107, same engine size and 3 cyl, so my comparison was based this - Anne Rouse from Lanarkshire

I think Suzuki do list a glove box lid as an accessory . I just cut out a shaped ’lid’ which slips halfway down the bin giving a two level storage compartment. The lower one is concealed from sight - Tony Hodgson from Lincolnshire

Nissan Pixo N Tec 2009

Luckily we bought this car on a dealership offer where by we got a grand off the price, plus we argued a further £200 off also. If we’d have paid full price then I would be very upset indeed, as I do not think this Nissan is worth the selling price. We have had endless repeat trips back to the dealerships to have repairs carried out as they seem unable to cope with fixing the car first time. The rearer washer problem is still ongoing for us, and to date we have been back four times - and a fifth time booked for this very week. Have made complaints to head office at Nissan UK but a £20 box of chocolates was all they could respond with. When we collected the car, it had three scratches over dash panels and the radio facias that needed re-work and more re-work and more re-work. So as you can see; our experience of this sweet looking Pixo has been troubled by constant repeated trips to the dealers. We are on the 2nd dealer now as the original Nissan dealership got fed up of us.....so we went to try another. If you are considering buying this car then seriously think about the build quality and the dealership after sales. If anything; insist on a very good deal; ie: money off, discounts, free servicing, free insurance and as much incentives as you can bargain for. Be warned!!!

Nissan Pixo N-tec 2009

Having read the other reports, I have to speak as I find. For me it was a toss up between the Suzuki Alto and the Nissan Pixo, Nissan won due to a much more stylish and sporty front end and better value. Having decided upon the N-tec model, I actually got a little more for my money i.e. Front fog lights, split rear seat and colour coded wing mirrors and door handles (you have to pay more for the top range model with Suzuki to get these). I was also lucky to get metallic paint a lot cheaper. Now to the important bit; I fell in love with my little car the moment I collected her and drove her away. Yes she’s a little noisy on pulling away, but she’s not short on zip and she’s fun to drive. Petrol consumption is excellent. The small boot isn’t a problem, as even with my 5 year old in a car seat, the split rear seat easily folds down next to her allowing plenty of space for my weekly shop. The interior is more than adequate as is the CD player and it’s all well finished. Mine is a 2010 year of make (this site hasn’t yet update their pull down options). I chose the Shell White Pearlescent paint which looks absolutely stunning and I’ve had many admiring glances and comments. I’ve mostly driven Volkswagens, my last was a Polo, but for the money little sassy and chic little car gives any of the small city cars I’ve owned or tried a good run for their money. So far, no complaints here, hence my 5 star rating. Recommended.

Nissan Pixo 2009

I too have had all the same problems, with the back washer, rattle in the front and now the car is only doing 55mpg extra urban, a far cry from the 74.7 quoted. I’m in the process of discussing this with Nissan. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

Nissan Pixo 2009

I’m so upset after reading the reports about the Nissan Pixo by Anne Rouse and Charles Skinner, I thought that perhaps all the problems I had with my Pixo were just rotten luck. Now I realise that I have actually bought a TURKEY of a car :-( I bought mine in August 2009, and it broke down on the motorway in the first three days. For the next six months, it’s broken down whilst in traffic, whilst moving. It’s not started and lost power. I too get the delightful foot shower when I’m trying to wash the back window. There’s a constant rattling, and I can honestly say I’ve never hated such a new & expensive purchase - the worst decision I’ve made. Now, after seeing similar stories, I’m so cross! It’s in for it’s service today, as it was recalled for having a faulty petrol tank - and as I also listed the other problems to them, they didn’t seem surprised. Anyone up for contacting Watchdog with me?

Responses to this review

Hi Priscilla, The last line of your report was if anyone wanted to contact watchdog with you I am certainly up for that. Like all the other reviews I am currently in dispute with Nissan and my dealers. Bought Pixo in October New!!! or so I thought and since then has been into garage every month. It is in again today for the RATTLE that nobody can ever find they havent got a clue but is going in for 3rd time just for Rattle, just like Anne fed up. It has had the foot wash, vibrating dash board, recall for petrol tank, front windscreen seal replaced, you name it it’s had it. Have asked for exchange but they’re not having any of it, apparently because of unrelated problems, mmm let me see, rattle 3 times that are not unrelated? Think it is time to give Nissan a shock, please let me know what you want to do. Thanks, Jennie Doyle from Northumberland

I am all for contacting Watchdog - Sue Allen from Bridgend

Totally agree with the Watchdog idea. Our car is with a third dealer (as the previous two dealers had the car several times each and one dealer even made something worse - ie. scratched the bumper whilst doing a repair and denied it. Our car at the moment is stripped down (ie. no seats, no carpet, no centre trim) whilst they replace the windscreen seal and dry out the interior of all the mass of water. Made so many complaints to dealers and Nissan head office that I’ve lost track of the number of complaint case numbers. This needs Watchdog to get involved and Nissan to own up to failure. Even if they at least take some responsibility for the cars, I would give the owners half a chance of getting either a swap for a different car or some money back. Seriously bad quality cars! - Greg T from Hampshire

Nissan Pixo 2009

I love this nice little new car. I had a micra before, but it was much cheaper to buy a Pixo this time time brand new, a second hand micra was dearer! It goes well with no problems, I do not speed so do not mind, it is an ideal car for what I need in and around town and local country. I would recommend it to any ladies of my age, it is ideal and trustworthy!

Nissan Pixo 2009

I bought this car in Aug 2009, traded in Jan 2010. I lost a bucket load of money but was still glad to see back of it. I can honestly say it’s the worst car I have ever owned. Like previous report I also had the same problem with foot shower, sorry rear washer, but the biggest problem I had was a rattle from o/s front after third visit to dealer they replaced an engine mount but this did not solve problem..and after a couple more visits to the dealers and still no joy I had to get rid as they seemed to have the car more often than me. I can also confirm the lack of power, poor fuel consumption and I can compare as my daughter owns a Peugeot 107 that has same engine size but is a lot faster and uses a lot less fuel. I also was really disappionted to find out, after purchase of course, that the car that costs £9000 is built in India that of course is due to low labour costs=poor build quality but 9k is not cheap for such a small car.

Nissan Pixo 2009

Hi folks, I leased this car for running around the doors and I can’t stress this enough - DO NOT BUY A PIXO. The fuel comsumption is terrible, I am only getting 60 miles for £10 of fuel; the road noise is so bad you can’t speak to any passengers. Also, if you do decide to buy one, watch out for the rear washer jet pipe as it’s blown off mine 5 times now and soaked my leg. As for motorway driving... I will never go near one again - you need to rev the knackers off it to acheive a wopping speed of 78mph and if you let off the throttle for a second you’re getting passed by trucks. I hope this puts you of a Pixo because honestly, for £8000 there are much better cars out there e.g a 2yr Mercedes A class will cost you this.

Nissan Pixo N-Tec 2009

I haven’t had this very long but decided to write this anyway incase someone is thinking about buying. This is a replacement for an Almera. I love it. It is so easy to drive. I am at the moment finding it hard to stick to the speed limits because it is very nippy and I seem to get to 30mph much quicker than in my Almera. I have taken it on the motorway and felt more confident about overtaking than I did in the Almera. The car was late so the dealer lent me a Micra to tie me over as my tax and M.O.T expired. Overall it did compare to the Micra 1.2 except on the motorway where it was slightly slower to the 50 mph mark. As the manual points out it is a 3 cylinder engine and so it is slightly noisier when moving in 1st gear. It is true that the interior is not "flash", but then again what do you expect for under £9000? I would have thought that not everyone is buying just to save money. Whilst the saving on tax and petrol is appreciated, it is a green car. I might have considered buying the Techna if it included a few extra luxuries that I have got used to driving Nissans for years e.g. volume control from the steering wheel and a better music system. As it is I have got an mp3 cd, air conditioning and remote entry. I am quite tall and there is plenty of room at the front. However, I wouldn’t want to be sitting in the back. There is very little room in the back, especially if the front passengers need to push the seats back to get leg room. For me this isn’t a problem as I rarely have rear seat passengers, but it could be for others. The boot isn’t roomy either. You can put your shopping in it but 2 sets of luggage might be a problem. Again I think Nissan could have added a feature for the rear seats to slide forwards to make more space in the boot on the most expensive model. I would guess that the space issue is no different on competitors’ models because it is meant to be a small car, but I bet that some of the missing features are available on the Yaris for example although you would pay considerably more for these features. This is the main reason I have given a 4 rating.