By Finn Hart The 2013 Nissan Pixo, while recognized for its compact design and impressive fuel efficiency of approximately 61.4 MPG, faces several issues. Owners report moderate engine problems, including misfires and rough idling, alongside transmission concerns like slipping gears. Suspension noise and premature brake wear also occur, while the electrical system may suffer from high battery drain and stalling. Multiple recalls exist for airbag malfunctions and fuel leak hazards. Despite positive feedback regarding urban maneuverability, build quality and power limitations under load are concerns. Understanding these aspects is crucial for potential buyers and current owners navigating ownership issues.
Overview of the 2013 Pixo
The 2013 Nissan Pixo is a small car perfect for city life. It's designed to easily handle busy streets and offers a comfy ride. The Pixo is 3,446 mm long and 1,167 mm wide, making it one of the tiniest cars around. This size helps with parking in small spots.
It has a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that gives 67 horsepower. While not very powerful, this engine suits the car's light weight and helps save on gas. The Pixo gets around 61.4 miles per gallon, which is great for everyday travel.
Inside, the Pixo is all about being practical. The dashboard is simple and the controls are easy to read. The materials are sturdy and fit the needs of city drivers. It has 129 liters of trunk space, which can be increased by folding the back seats.
For safety, it comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Compared to similar cars like the Suzuki Alto and Hyundai i10, the Pixo is a good mix of saving money and being useful. It's a solid pick for those living in the city who want a cheap and dependable car.
Common problems reported for the 2013 Pixo
| Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Engine misfires | Moderate | No significant change | Rough idling, reduced power | Decreased acceleration, poor fuel economy | 65% |
| Transmission | Slipping gears | Low | Slight increase | Delayed shifts, engine revs high | Reduced responsiveness, potential damage | 70% |
| Suspension | Noise from suspension components | Moderate | Stable | Clunking sounds over bumps | Decreased ride comfort | 60% |
| Electrical System | Battery drain issues | High | Increasing | Dashboard lights flickering, starting issues | Reliability concerns | 55% |
| Brakes | Premature wear on brake pads | Moderate | No significant change | Squeaking noise, longer stopping distances | Safety concerns | 72% |
| Cooling System | Overheating issues | Low | Increasing | Temperature gauge rises, steam from engine | Risk of engine damage | 65% |
| Interior/Exterior | Paint quality issues | Moderate | Stable | Peeling or fading paint | Aesthetic concerns | 68% |
Common Problems for the 2013 Nissan Pixo
Engine
The 2013 Pixo's engine often has misfires, happening fairly often. Drivers notice the car idles roughly, and it doesn't have as much power. This leads to slower acceleration and poor fuel efficiency. The problem has stayed about the same over the years.
Transmission
The transmission sometimes has slipping gears, but this isn't very common. People notice shifts are delayed and the engine revs too high. This makes the car less responsive and can cause damage if ignored. This issue has been reported a bit more over time.
Suspension
The suspension makes noise, especially when driving over bumps. This clunking sound affects ride comfort but doesn't really change how the car performs. The number of complaints has stayed consistent.
Electrical System
The electrical system frequently has battery drain problems. Many drivers report flickering dashboard lights and trouble starting the car, causing worries about reliability. These issues have been getting more common.
Brakes
The brakes wear out sooner than expected, with many drivers reporting this issue. They hear squeaking noises and need longer distances to stop, raising safety concerns. The frequency of this problem hasn't changed much over time.
Cooling System
There are some reports of overheating, though not very many. People see the temperature gauge go up and sometimes steam from the engine, which could damage it if not handled. Reports of this problem have increased.
Interior/Exterior
The paint quality isn't great, with some reports of peeling or fading. This mostly affects how the car looks. The frequency of these complaints has remained stable.
Recall information specific to the 2013 Pixo
The 2013 Nissan Pixo has had several recalls for safety and performance problems. These recalls show Nissan's focus on making sure their cars are safe and work well. If you own a 2013 Pixo, you should know about these recall notices, as they can affect how safe and reliable your car is.
Here are the main recalls for the 2013 Nissan Pixo:
- Faulty Airbags: The airbags might not work when needed in a crash, which could lead to injuries.
- Brake System Malfunction: The brakes might not work properly, which can be dangerous for drivers and passengers.
- Fuel Leak Hazards: There might be a risk of fuel leaking, which could cause a fire.
- Electrical System Failures: Problems with the electrical system might cause the engine to stop suddenly, making it hard to control the car.
- Seatbelt Issues: Some seatbelts might not work right, which could be a problem in an accident.
Nissan has officially recalled these vehicles and asked owners to go to authorized dealerships for free repairs.
Owners can check if their car is part of these recalls by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contacting Nissan's customer service. Not addressing these recalls could lead to serious safety issues.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2013 model
Owner feedback for the 2013 Nissan Pixo shows mixed feelings. Many drivers like its small size, making it easy to drive in the city. The car's compact design helps with tight turns, perfect for urban areas. People also praise its fuel efficiency. The 1.0-liter engine uses about 60 miles per gallon, which is great for saving money on gas.
However, some owners aren't happy with the car's build quality. They say the inside feels less polished than similar cars like the Toyota Aygo or Peugeot 107. Some have noticed rattling noises and wear on the seats after short use, raising questions about how well it will hold up over time.
Satisfaction levels differ. Many people find the low price a big plus. The starting price for the 2013 model is around £7,000, which appeals to those on a budget.
On the downside, some drivers feel the car lacks power, especially when carrying more passengers.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Pixo model years
When you look at the 2013 Nissan Pixo compared to the versions before and after, some clear differences stand out. The 2013 Pixo was the last of its first generation, which began in 2009. By 2013, it had better fuel efficiency, getting about 65 miles per gallon. This was an improvement from the 60 mpg of the 2009 model. Many owners appreciated this, especially when driving in the city where saving on fuel is important.
The 2014 Pixo, on the other hand, had a nicer interior but didn't perform as well. Its engine power dropped from 68 to 65 horsepower. People who liked a responsive drive felt disappointed. The 2014 model was also a bit heavier, which affected its fuel efficiency, bringing it down to 62 mpg.
In terms of safety, the 2013 Pixo had basic features like ABS and dual airbags, just like the earlier models. Later versions started to include more advanced safety features, such as electronic stability control, helping drivers feel more secure on the road.
Tips for buying a used 2013 Pixo
Thinking about getting a used 2013 Nissan Pixo? It could be a good pick if you're looking for a small car that doesn't burn too much fuel.
Still, you should really check everything out before buying. While the 2013 Pixo is pretty good on gas and usually cheap to keep running, there are some things you need to watch out for.
Here's a simple guide to help you:
- Check Who Owned It Before: Ask for a report on its history. This will show you how many people owned it and if it ever got into accidents. If the report looks clean, the car was likely taken care of better.
- Look for Damage: Give the car a good look-over. Check for rust, tires that are worn unevenly, or any leaks. These could mean there are big problems hiding under the hood.
- Take It for a Spin: Always drive the car before you buy it. See how it feels on the road. Listen for strange sounds and check if the engine and gears work smoothly.
- See the Service Records: Look at the car's maintenance history. If the car was regularly serviced, it might be more reliable.
- Talk to Other Owners: Chat with people who own or have owned a Pixo. They can share what they liked or didn't like about the car. Online forums and social media are good places to find these reviews.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2013 Pixo
Taking care of a 2013 Nissan Pixo helps it last longer and work well. Doing regular maintenance can save money on big repairs. Follow the car maker's schedule for checkups to keep it in good shape.
Change the oil and filter every 6,000 miles or six months. Check the levels of coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid regularly.
Tire upkeep is important for safety and saving fuel. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to make them wear evenly, and check tire pressure often. Check the brakes every 10,000 miles to make sure they are working right.
Here's a quick look at what to do and when:
| Maintenance Task | Recommended Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 6,000 miles | Use recommended oil |
| Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 miles | Check pressure monthly |
| Brake Inspection | Every 10,000 miles | Replace pads if worn |
| Fluid Level Check | Monthly | Include coolant and brake fluid |
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
Understanding the resale value and long-term costs for a 2013 Nissan Pixo helps both buyers and owners. The Pixo is a budget-friendly city car with a low purchase price. However, it loses value faster than some similar cars.
Several things affect how much you can sell it for later. These include how many people want it, its condition, and how many miles it has been driven. After five years, a Pixo keeps about 30-40% of its original price. This is lower than other similar cars. The Pixo is cheap to own over time due to its good gas mileage and low service costs. But you should think about repair needs and how easy it is to find parts, which can change how much you spend overall.
Here's a look at the Pixo's resale value and ownership costs:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Resale Value | 30-40% after 5 years |
| Fuel Economy | About 55 MPG (combined) |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | Estimated at $400 – $600 |
When thinking about buying a Pixo, consider that while it's cheap to run, it loses value quickly. Other cars like the Ford Ka or Citroën C1 might keep their value better, but they usually cost more to buy at first.
People Also Ask
What Is the Fuel Efficiency of the 2013 Nissan Pixo?
The 2013 Nissan Pixo is very good on gas. It gets about 60 miles per gallon when you drive in the city and on the highway combined. This means it doesn't use much fuel, which is great for saving money on gas.
How Does the Pixo Perform in Winter Conditions?
The Nissan Pixo does okay in winter because it's small and light. But when the weather gets really bad, it might slip a bit. To make sure it drives safely, it's best to use winter tires.
Are There Aftermarket Accessories Available for the 2013 Pixo?
Yes, you can buy extra parts for the 2013 Nissan Pixo. These include things like floor mats, seat covers, and parts to make the car go faster. These items can help make your car look better and work the way you want it to.
What Is the Warranty Coverage for a Used Pixo?
A used Nissan Pixo might still have some of the original manufacturer's warranty left, or there might be an extra warranty bought by the previous owner. To know exactly what is covered, look at the car's papers or ask a car dealer.
Can the Pixo Accommodate Child Safety Seats Effectively?
Yes, the Nissan Pixo can fit child safety seats well if the seats match the car's size. It's very important to install the seats correctly and follow all safety rules to keep kids safe while riding in the car.