Nissan Almera Hatchback (2000 - 2006) 1.8 SE+ 5d (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm a middle-aged man with a family.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Not as sexy as an Alfa Romeo.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not a modern Almera as they have stretchy cam chains.

What are you likely to buy next?

Don't know.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

August 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not as good as I'd like, but my negotiating skills aren't great!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Dodgy

What's it like to drive?

I really like driving this car. It is not the fastest 1.8 I have driven, but pulls well. It is a great motorway cruiser though and civil around town. Power steering is nicely balanced and it gives good feedback. I like it a lot, but the only bills I have ever had have been fairly big and a nagging brake issue that no one has been able to fix have forced me to consider a change.

What's it like to park?

Pretty easy. Large rear pillars do increase your blind spot, but wing mirrors are convex to help reduce the problem.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Front crossmember badly corroded - £600 Exhaust system gone - £450 Starter motor - £80 Brake discs and pads x 2 occasions Coil pack - £95 x 4 Having said that - it is at nearly 150,000 miles now, with me putting a third of those on in 3 1/2 years of ownership.

What's most practical about your car?

Reasonable boot size, cargo nets in boot, takeaway carry handle in passenger side!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air con, ABS.