USED Nissan Almera Hatchback (00 - 06)

My car

There seems to be little reviews about Almera 2.2 136... so here is mine

My choice on turbo-D was limited until a 2005 Almera dCi 136 advert popped up for sale. I had a Passat Estate TDi 130 before, drove Golf TDi 130, and tired a few Seat TDi, shortly after I've tried the Almera I went back and bought it.

Styling is not great, and you may get teased on choosing the Almera, but it will be a great purchase. Mine is a high mileage car and lack of just a few services, but it was quite a bit cheaper than a 2004 Golf TDi. Anyway, I've bought the car for <3k. After a good all-around service with top quality parts and oil, the car runs superbly and the turbo whistles beautifully. This car is very well built and reliable! Good spec on the SXE model as well.

On the road, it is joyful to drive and it has plenty of acceleration for normal driving. On motorway, it is far too easy to go way beyond the speed limit. In town, it is not too bad neither --- it is quicker than 307 HDi and Focus TDCi. However, it is thirsty on start-stop journeys.

There are bad points about Almera --- heavy steering, heavy clutch, and boot space.

In my opinion, Almera is a dead brand because the name was bearing loads of bad press (I find them mostly from the 1.5L/D engines) --- But you cant fault the 2.2dCi engine (now I know they aren't from Renault but Nissan's own) and you cant go wrong with this model.

My car

I have sadly just parted with my Nissan Almera in the Sea Green colour, as some stupid road user caused over £4,000 of damage to it and the insurance simply would not repair it. It was a 2001 on a Y plate, and I purchased it in September 06 privately from my mechanic for £2,800 (36k) with 6mths of MOT and the next MOT for free, and 2mths tax. The car started off doing a 15 mile round trip on major roads, five days a week, and was averaging 49.2mpg. (The car was just a car to get me to work and back). A few months after we purchased it the timing chain went due to frequent short trips, costing us £350! Would have been £500+ at a garage mind! The Almera then had to do a 30mile round trip per day on busy roads with 30/40mph speed limits. This didn't just add miles to the car but the mpg dropped to 38.1 average. Whilst doing this, the wheel bearing went, but I managed to get one second hand, so the repair only cost £35. Nothing else really went wrong, and it only got stuck once on a steep hill in all that snow, because it seriously needed new rubber. The Almera was written off because of expensive parts, (I had noticed this over all 4 Nissans of mine (C Reg Micra, F Reg Sunny, P Reg Primera and this)), despite the low mileage of 61k, which is why I decided to make that my last Nissan. I went and got a Citroen C3 2004 on an 04 with just 36k for £2995, to take me to work whilst I am saving for a Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSi. (Looking at 12-18mths old). I will miss my Nissans dearly

My car

I've owned this car for 10 months and have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. As a car enthusiast I never thought I'd own one of these, but glad I gave it a try. Looks wise, I like the car and wouldn't change anything bar the wheels. As an SXE model, it comes loaded with climate control and sat-nav so isn't short on equipment. There was just a little too much lean in the corners for me as standard, so I've changed to sports springs. I find it easy to drive and controls are at hand or close enough. The seats could be a bit more supportive on twisty roads, but never give any discomfort. Steering is a bit light for my taste, but makes for easy parking. Brakes are consistent and feel progressive. My partner finds the gears easily likes it too. Servicing is reasonable at a local Nissan dealer, but have to admit I laughed at their quote of £117 to give the brakes a quick sprucing ! I'd expect new pads all round for that ! I'm a little worried about the stories of gearbox failure but many people reporting chain failures are being conned. Nissan have not been totally professional with this problem. As a member of an owner's club forum, I've found that the O2 sensors and MAF (air sensor) can get a little dirty and give out false readings. A quick clean with some solvent can cure many of the so-called starting/stuttering symptoms. Even the chain drive can be misdiagnosed. Taking your car to an independent mechanic can give very different and much cheaper results !

My car

Good brakes, steering and stability. BUT.

At 7 years the electrical harness showed major corrosion.

The immobiliser left the car stranded at the roadside on more than one occasion.

Several hundered pounds for Nissan agent to locate and repair.

Nissan claim it is not a quality issue and is to be expected on cars of this age.

Potential owners of older Almeras should watch out.