Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question…

Dear Alex, 

My mother has a 1987 Nissan Micra Colette with less than 25,000 miles, a full service history. She has owned it from new but is thinking of selling it as she no longer drives. Obviously we want to obtain a fair price – but we have no idea what this might be. What do you think it’s worth? Is there any additional value in it being a limited edition? We would most likely sell it to a dealer – mostly for the reassurance that their payment would not bounce – but do you have any other selling suggestions?

– PH

Dear PH,

The Colette special edition was quite popular in its day, and came with plusher seat upholstery, adjustable headrests, upgraded wheel trims and unique badging and pinstriping, with the option of two-tone paint – buyers certainly were a little less demanding about their special editions’ spec lists back then! 

Your mother’s Micra sounds like a cracking little car for someone, and one that’s quite highly sought after by a certain sector of the classic car market.

The trouble is, it’s a sector that’s relatively small, and one that doesn’t usually have a lot of cash to spend, so I’m afraid to say that despite its impressive provenance the car isn’t likely to be worth all that much.

Its value isn’t helped by the fact that there is a surprising number of these early Micras still on the road, largely because they were robust, long-lived little cars, and usually used infrequently and carefully maintained by owners like your mum. That’s to both Nissan’s and your mum’s credit, but doesn’t really help you in selling it for more – in fact, I reckon as a private sale you’d be doing well to get £1,500 for it. 

Nevertheless, there are dealers around willing to take on such cars. A dealer will always pay less than the car would fetch privately, but that’s the sacrifice you make on the basis that it’ll be more convenient and, as you say, less risky than dealing with a private buyer. I’d try KGF Classic Cars on 01733 425140 – they specialise in low-mileage cars of this era, and should be willing to offer a fair price.

If you have no joy, however, the other option I’d suggest would be to consign the Micra to a classic car auction. These auction houses usually handle the sale for you for a fee, which means the minimum of hassle for you. Anglia Car Auctions and Classic Car Auctions are two such houses that usually take on cars like this, and are quite highly regarded. 

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