Faults:

Has one very slightly binding rear disk brake.

Nothing else has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

Almeras are very under rated cars. People who have not owned or driven one don't know what they are talking about, they also think that they are dull, which they are not. Good points are, excellent reliability, well designed mechanically and aesthetically, excellent handling the sport version has harder suspension, brakes and ABS are very good in all types of weather, men and women often give me good comments on it. Now the bad points, I don't like the pattern on the seats, one of the rear disc brakes has a slight overheating problem this might be because of binding or the disc is warped, when I looked at the brake caliper and bench tested it worked fine no binding so I do not know how to fix it, might be disc warped, also the engine although good on fuel and emissions does not suit the sport badge as it's no pocket rocket, but does 100mph with ease.

Faults:

Noisy door locking solenoid at 20000 miles.

General Comments:

This is the first car I have ever owned on which everything works as it is meant to.

Unlike all my previous cars except one this car does not leak.

The car has every accessory that a reasonable owner could possibly want and this for considerably less money than its competitors.

The driving position is perfect and has never given me backache.

It behaves impeccably in town.

On the motorway it goes like a rocket and is almost completely unaffected by strong winds.

The doors open very widely and my disabled father in law has no problems getting in and out of it unlike my brother in law's German limousine.

I cannot understand why these cars get such a poor press.

I intend to keep mine until it or I fall to bits.

Faults:

Light behind electronic odometer went after owning car for 6 months - £50 to repair.

General Comments:

Good, reliable, small family car.

Space in rear is cramped, even for small (i.e 8 year old) children.

Struggles when fully loaded with children/luggage.

Not much sought after second hand.

Faults:

Door trim strip came unglued. (5 weeks to get a replacement)

Dash-top box lid and catch replaced.

Peg for parcel-shelf lifting cord replaced (and abother about to fail)

General Comments:

Very poor turning circle. I dread having to park it anywhere.

Sun-visor design is bad - the depth is good, but they are so narrow that there are large gaps at either side.

Driver's door design allows collected water to drip onto window and door-lock switches.

Front-end grip is not good in the wet - the limits can be easily reached.