Used Nissan Almera Hatchback 2000 - 2006 review

What's the used Nissan Almera like?

The idea of a Nissan Almera trying to compete on equal terms with a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf is a bit like Stirling Moss pitching up at Silverstone, hoping to have a crack at the current Formula One hotshots. However, if you can live with all the pensioner jokes, the Almera doesn't make a bad second-hand buy.

All the latest deals, offers and much more from the What Car? team. Don't miss out.

Overview

The Nissan Almera is solid, reliable and cheap, but with a staid image

Pros

• It's well priced and reliable with a good safety record

Cons

• Space is poor and it's slow, uncomfortable and disappointing to drive

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Nissan Almera

1.8 SE 5dr

£750

Nissan Almera

1.8 SE 5dr

£790

Nissan Almera

1.5 S 5dr

£995

Nissan Almera

1.5 SVE 5dr

£995

Nissan Almera

1.5 SVE 5dr

£1,190

Nissan Almera

1.8 SE 5dr

£1,395

Nissan Almera

1.8 SE 5dr

£1,750

Nissan Almera

1.8 SE 5dr

£1,900

Nissan Almera

1.5 SE 5dr

£1,995

See all available cars

See our full privacy notice for more details.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

First, the downsides. It's cramped by class standards and rear room is particularly poor, although the boot is a decent size. Refinement is lousy, too, with lots of road, wind and engine noise making its way into the cabin. The handling is reasonable, but while the ride can cope with smooth roads, its composure soon disappears on rough surfaces.

On the other hand, security is impressive and safety is good, with a Euro NCAP four-star rating. The build quality is sound, even on the original cars introduced in 2000, and all post-autumn 2002 face-lift models come with decent kit.

Our recommendations

Which used Nissan Almera should I buy?

Later models came with only one engine, a 97bhp 1.5-litre petrol. However, there's plenty of choice if you go for an older model. With fuel economy of 42.8mpg, the 1.5 is particularly attractive if you spend most or your motoring life in town, but the 1.8-litre petrol pulls better in the lower gears - although a long fifth gear means it's not all that flexible on the motorway.

The diesel is a 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo and it comes in two versions, with 110bhp or 134bhp. The more powerful unit has noticeably better low-down performance, yet the weaker engine is perfectly okay.

There was a face-lift in late 2002, with all models getting air-con, remote central locking, electric front windows and a CD player. Stretch to an SVE and you get a leather-trimmed steering wheel, alloy wheels and an electric sunroof. But an SE, with parking sensors, electric rear windows and climate control is all you really need.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here