USED Nissan Almera Tino MPV (00 - 05)

My car

Having previously owned a BMW 320D SE I was a little apprehensive about taking delivery of the Tino, afterall, it does cost 10 grand less.

After driving the Tino home from work after delivery, I was surprised how comfortable I felt on that relatively short journey. The ride was quite good, the handling surprisingly good, and the performance much better than I had expected.

It had a lot of equipment and gave a very commanding view of the road for what is not a large vehicle. However, I put this good feeling down to the warmth that taking delivery of a brand new car brings.

I have had the car for three months now and covered over 5000 miles. My initial views of the vehicle have proved to be right. It is a very nice, underrated car. Interior trim may be a bit plasticky, it is noisier at speed that my BMW, and the controls are a little unusual and could be confusing if you do not use the car regularly.

I have owned about 17 cars now, so have had a great deal of experience in many different types of vehicle. I would rate the Tino as the best value for money car I have owned. It is practical, comfortable and reliable (my BMW had been to the delaers at least four times by now, including a massive oil leak and a new clutch) and economical.

Things that I would change? A larger fuel tank would be nice, cruise control, and ditch those left-hand-drive wipers. (They do work, they just feel wrong.)

My car

The light and airy cabin gives great all-round visibility. All instruments are easy to use and within reach.

It's good to drive, with taut handling and crisp precise steering. The gearchange can be a bit vague at times.

Its build quality is good, but the car lacks the solidity of a previously owned Zafira. On long runs, the climate-control air-con is invaluable as is the interior comfort. It means you arrive not too stressed out.

In short - a practical, well-thought-out but not brilliant MPV.

My car

I bought this car brand new. It's excellent to drive, with great visibility, and very comfortable, with a high driving position.

It's great on the motorways with the six-speed gearbox, it just cruises along. The steering is fine and precise. The fuel efficiency around town on average is 41mpg, and on longer journeys around 48mpg-49mpg.

It has excellent equipment for the reduced price, with an electric sunroof, mirrors, half-leather trim etc.

The only niggle is the paintwork is easily scratched. I have spent a fortune on different car polishes to try to remove scratches etc. But apart from that, it's an excellent car and I believe very much underated.

My car

I am disappointed with the fuel consumption according to Nissan combined fuel figure is 36.7mpg, which is also what you suggest it should be. However, I only get 32.4mpg I have taken this up with the dealer who did a diagnostic test said there was nothing wrong with the car and 32.4mpg was good. Am I being fobbed off? Should I take the matter up with Nissan? I am a very careful driver, have had Nissan cars for years and have always achieved the mpg stated in the manufacturers literature.