Faults:

Nothing in the 35k miles so far.

General Comments:

After two years of Almera GTI ownership it's time to give my verdict. Unfortunately it's a rather mixed review as there are things I really like and really hate about the car, but overall I still think it's an overlooked bargain GTI.

Good Points:

Engine - Amazingly smooth all the way to 7,000 rpm.

Handling - Very well balanced except when it's wet, when it understeers massively. Steering is fantastic.

Ride - What I'd call about perfect, minimal roll without being rock hard.

Reliability - Feels very well engineered (except the interior) and never feels like it would let you down.

Economy - Tall gearing (see below) means 40+ mpg can be had on a long run (personal record 42mpg from a tank!).

Refinement - Cruises smoothly and quietly.

Equipment - Absolutely fully loaded for half the price of the equivalent Golf.

Bad Points:

Engine - Is poor between 2.5k to 4k rpm and tails off too quickly above 6k.

Performance/Gearing - Gearing (especially 3rd) is too high and means it never feels truly quick.

Interior - Mine suffers from a huge number of rattles and squeaks on the inside. Also the front seat just doesn't quite go back far enough for six-footers like me.

Rare - And most cars are either neglected or thrashed.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, broken or fallen off it.

General Comments:

Having experienced excellent reliability with Nissan cars used as high mileage company cars I had no hesitation in purchasing an Almera for use as a family car.

For a 1.6 Automatic the car is quite lively.

Handling is good. Brakes could be sharper.

Comfortable for its size, obviously can't compete with larger cars.

Faults:

Having owned the car for over 2 years now, in my experience Nissan`s are a TOTALLY reliable manufacturer.

My car has been driven VERY hard, but well looked after. It has not missed a beat once... just the usual wear items such as brakes and tires. The { timing chain driven } engine appears faultless and bombproof. Its the same engine found in the Primera GT.

The dashboard can squeak sometimes in very hot or cold weather. Easily fixed with WD40 though.

It can also take a long time to get the drivers seat in a comfy position...I`m just nit picking now!!

To sum up. I bet most VW drivers wished their cars were this reliable. How many coil packs and door locks have you replaced???!!!

General Comments:

`Didn`t know you could get an Almera GTi any good?`..that's most peoples first comment when they see my car.

Its no oil painting, but the joy riders walk straight past it.

Superb performance. I know its no Subaru or Evo, but its pretty fast. Beats 206 GTi, BMW 323, Focus 170, Golf 1.8T & 2.016v & V5. Faster cars can`t keep up round the twisty bits though.

Engine needs to be revved high, best above 5000 RPM then it flys.

Great handling helped by standard front and rear strut braces... downside bumpy ride.

Brakes not bad

Overall though, the best car I`ve ever driven, or owned taking price and performance into account. Buy a Golf GTi for image alone. Just remember your cars slower, doesn`t handle as well, is less reliable and cost MORE than mine!! I don`t think I will ever sell it, I like it that much. Maybe for a Subaru Impreza Turbo.