Faults:

Boot opening mechanism failed - boot jammed shut.

Both headlight bulbs failed simultaneously - after dark during a winter gale of course. LH bulb very difficult to change with normal-sized hands, RH impossible to change without removing coolant expansion bottle (the handbook is useless on this point). Fortunately I had the optional fog lights to get home on.

The Nissan badge dropped off all 4 wheel trims.

Recurrent problems in the (standard) CD charger. Eventually replaced under guarantee.

General Comments:

The Turbo Diesel gives lots of power and torque, but remains economical - it goes like a petrol, but drinks like a diesel. Very noisy on a cold start, but quickly becomes very discreet.

Gear ratio in 5th is too high even with the torque. Motorway cruising is at less than 2000 RPM, but normal road speeds mean frequent change-downs - a pity.

Very high level of equipment at a very competitive price - £2000 less than an equivalent Golf.

Faults:

The carpet tore in the rear twice.

Vibrating noise from the rear view mirror.

General Comments:

The carpet in the rear of the car has torn twice so far; each time it took approx four weeks to have a new one ordered in, and two days to have it fitted. In my opinion this is not very good service, as I was told by Nissan Ireland that I should just use duct tape to cover the holes in the carpet, while I was waiting for the replacement carpet to come in.

Faults:

Nothing at all - nor do I expect any problems!!! If I must nit pick, the passenger central locking solenoid is a bit noisy, but really that is it.

General Comments:

This must rate as one of the best cars I have owned. Looks great (draws plenty of positive comment), well built, well equipped, drives well, economical (I was getting 34 to a gallon 5 up with the air conditioning on - knockout result for a 1.8).

The biggest compliment I can pay the car is this. My partner has a Golf GTi (overall a better reviewed car, and accepted as being one of the top in its class) - she would gladly swap it for the Almera without a second thought. She finds it more comfortable, more fun, and generally easier to get on with. Praise indeed.

Go on - try one, ignore the magazines and form your own opinion. I did and don't regret it.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever bought. Goes like a dream and the girlies love it, which is nice!!

Faults:

Only one internal light bulb which is a peculiar size and can not be bought outside the dealers.

General Comments:

The car is totally reliable.

It is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned.

The suspension is hard.

The seat gives me back-pain.

It is hard on petrol, especially given that the Japanese are supposed to be economical.