Before entering the “Kei” market, the March/Micra was the smallest car built by Nissan Motors. It has been in production for nearly 45 years, but it has never been exported to the U.S. So how the seller’s example ended up in Rudy, Arkansas, with right-hand drive is unknown (did the sailor bring it home with him?). We’re told this 2000 edition is a one-owner car that has only traveled 59,000 miles (mostly in Japan?). Apparently only needing a new home, this mini-compact is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,600. Thumbs up to “Terry” for the tip!
The March name is used in Japan, while the car is known in other markets as the Micra (which seems like a better description). Before 1999, the March was sold in Japan only through Nissan Cherry Stores, but the network was expanded in the 21st Century. The second generation, which covers the seller’s car, was produced from 1992 to 2003.
All sorts of body styles were offered, none of them measuring more than 12-13 feet. FWD was used, and the engine was up front, available from 1.0 to 1.4 liters (unless it was a diesel). The seller’s car has a 5-speed manual transmission.
How long this March has been a resident of the U.S. isn’t mentioned. We’re told it runs and drives well, and its air conditioning works as it should. The body, silver paint, and tan interior are quite presentable, so the little automobile has been well cared for. The description reads like a dealer is involved, which would explain the lack of history being offered. This tiny machine should generate attention at Cars & Coffee, if for no other reason than the positioning of the steering wheel.
If Americans had any sense, they’d be driving cars like this instead of the gas guzzling emissions spewing behemoths currently on the roads. Why is it the rest of the world has sense when it comes to cars, but the US doesn’t? We were heading the right direction in the 80s… what happened? Oh yeah… the manufacturers realized selling giant vehicles to insecure consumers was more profitable. SMH
Vehicles in America have been offered to us as ego statements and signs of success, personally and nationally. Big vehicles for a big country and the open road. The young guys have turned trucks upside down though. They’ve become like a woman’s accessory rather then a work tool. They jack the trucks up like women wear high heals. The big wheels and tires are like a woman’s boob jobs.
They even put lights on the undercarriage and wheels like women advertise in a red light district.
None of those trucks will see a day of work like a princess.
And they’ll spend a kings ransom on these rolling fashion accessories, oftentimes with the help of (sugar) daddy.
In other words trucks have been given a sex change…only in America!
What’s your thing with insecure? This seems to be a recurring theme with you. Yeah there are folks who don’t need a big vehicle but a lot of us do (4 horse trailer here). Your Prius or Geo Metro may be fine for you but don’t judge people you don’t know.
And streets in Europe, Asia and other parts are much narrower and confined than here.
Bit of a dar-dum there, JDC!
I like that interior. For an economy car it looks premium. Maybe that’s the key? take a good riding economical car that’s fun to drive and dont cheap out on the interior trim. Oh and have enough room for wide American butts.
Or maybe Americans could just lose some weight
Sure I can lose weight but all six and a half feet of me and my size 15 shoes still wouldn’t fit in this if I weighed 215 again. But how would you understand that.
There was about a decade in my career where I spent a considerable amount of time in Japan… and during that time, there were a lot of really neat micro cars such as this running around… and in Japan they were infinitely practical and fun. They fit the road, driving, and living conditions just fine. However, in the US the mindset is different… where they just can’t build F-150s, RAMs and Suburbans big enough for those trying to compensate for certain things… So as much as I’d love one as an entertaining daily grocery getter, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
i notice the Japanese seem to get rid of ‘new rigs’ quickly. Can folks confirm its due to tough registration inspections? They hit our shores in good shape.
Cant go for RHD (easily adopted 4 the change by one’s body/mind BUT…
not our roads or ‘set-up’ ( culture – everything’s “left handed” here.
Lots of these imported/driven here (esp ‘truck’, van) eventho on Right Coast. I could gofurit but the place is set up for RHD.
From my time working in Japan I remember vehicle inspections for older cars were quite stringent… read expensive. Also, annual taxes on older cars actually increased over time. Basically it just gets expensive to keep older cars in Japan. I remember there being quite an active export market for used Japanese vehicles in countries like Indonesia.
Why are my comments and replies being deleted? Half a dozen deleted in the last week. No cussing, attacking others, political commentary, etc. Something I did wrong? Just trying to enjoy the site and offer a comment once in awhile. What gives?
Cool car. I love JDM cars. Our letter carrier has a collection of JDM vans that he uses to deliver our mail. He especially likes the RHD which makes it easy for him to reach the mailboxes.
Today’s cars are a lot smaller than they used to be. The 70s and 80s were called land yaughts.
Huh??… Ya, there were the big Lincolns and Caddies back in the ’70s… but overall, cars today are much bigger… and heavier than in the past… and by no small margin. Compare any “compact” or “sub-compact” of the 70s and 80s to that of today… as an example a Toyota Corolla of 1977 was 157 inches long and 1950 pounds… a 2026 Corolla is 187 inches long and 2950 pounds!!.. That’s a 50% increase!! A 2026 Mustang is 10 inches longer and 1400 lbs heavier than the first Fox body ‘stang of 1979. And look at trucks… Full size pick ups are 1000 to 1500 lbs heavier than those of 20 years ago… and feet longer.