NISSAN ALMERA Buying Guide & Reliability (1996-2015)

The Nissan Almera is a compact car that was produced by Nissan from 1996 to 2015. Over its nearly two-decade run, the Almera became a familiar sight on UK roads, with a total of 889 registration plates recorded.

Last updated September 08, 2025 1998 words Based on real UK vehicle data

NISSAN ALMERA Overview

The Nissan Almera is a compact car that was produced by Nissan from 1996 to 2015. Over its nearly two-decade run, the Almera became a familiar sight on UK roads, with a total of 889 registration plates recorded. The model spans various years, with notable production peaks in 2004 and 2005, where 201 and 180 units were registered, respectively.

In terms of performance, the Almera has a MOT pass rate of 74.0%, indicating a reasonable level of reliability among its owners. However, it is important to note that common failures have been reported, particularly in the categories of lighting (114 failures), brakes (79 failures), and exhaust & emissions (37 failures). These statistics highlight areas where potential buyers should exercise caution.

The fuel type distribution shows a strong preference for petrol, with 845 petrol models compared to just 44 diesel variants. This trend reflects the general consumer preference in the UK for petrol vehicles during the Almera's production years. Additionally, the colour distribution reveals that blue (256 units) and silver (242 units) are the most popular choices among Almera owners.

Regarding tax status, a significant number of Almera vehicles are untaxed, with 559 units falling into this category, while 168 are currently taxed and 161 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). The average annual mileage for the Almera stands at 4,586 miles, which is relatively low compared to many other vehicles in its class.

Overall, the Nissan Almera remains a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers, but prospective buyers should be aware of its common issues and consider the vehicle's history before making a purchase. Data accuracy is subject to change, and potential buyers are encouraged to verify details independently.

Reliability and MOT Performance

The Nissan Almera, produced between 1996 and 2015, has a total of 889 registered vehicles in the UK. With an overall MOT pass rate of 74.0%, this model demonstrates a reasonable level of reliability, although it is essential to consider the common areas where failures occur.

Among the 13,597 MOT tests conducted on the Almera, the most frequent reasons for failure include issues with lighting, brakes, and exhaust emissions. Specifically, lighting failures accounted for 114 instances, while brake-related problems were noted in 79 cases. Other common failures included 39 instances classified as 'Other', 37 related to exhaust and emissions, and 31 concerning tyres.

In terms of fuel type, the majority of Almera vehicles are petrol-powered, with 845 petrol models compared to 44 diesel variants. This distribution may influence maintenance and repair costs, as petrol engines typically have different servicing needs compared to diesel engines.

Colour preferences among Almera owners show a notable trend, with blue being the most popular choice at 256 vehicles, followed closely by silver at 242 and grey at 150. This variety in colour options may appeal to a broad range of buyers.

When examining the age distribution of the Almera, the majority of registered vehicles fall within the 2001 to 2006 range, with 205 vehicles from 2003 and 201 from 2004. This suggests that many owners are retaining their vehicles for several years, which may reflect satisfaction with the model's reliability.

It is important to note that the data presented here is based on available statistics and may not reflect the current state of all Nissan Almera vehicles. Potential buyers should conduct thorough research and consider individual vehicle history before making a purchase.

What to Check When Buying Used

When considering a used Nissan Almera, there are several key factors to evaluate to ensure a sound purchase. With a total of 889 registered vehicles in the UK, the Almera has a diverse range of models spanning from 1996 to 2015. Understanding the common issues and overall condition of the vehicle is crucial.

First, review the vehicle's MOT history. The Almera has a pass rate of 74.0%, indicating that a significant number of vehicles may have underlying issues. Pay particular attention to common failure categories, such as lighting (114 failures), brakes (79 failures), and exhaust & emissions (37 failures). These areas are critical for safety and compliance.

Next, consider the vehicle's mileage. The average annual mileage for the Almera is approximately 4,586 miles, which can help gauge the wear and tear on the vehicle. A car with significantly higher mileage may have more extensive maintenance needs.

Fuel type is another important aspect; the majority of Almeras are petrol (845), with a smaller number being diesel (44). Depending on your driving habits and fuel preferences, this could influence your choice.

Additionally, check the vehicle's tax status. Out of the 889 registered Almeras, 559 are untaxed, which may indicate that they have been off the road for some time. This could affect their condition and reliability.

Finally, inspect the vehicle's exterior and interior condition. The most common colours for the Almera are blue (256), silver (242), and grey (150). A well-maintained exterior can often reflect the overall care the vehicle has received.

Always verify the data and history of the vehicle through reliable sources, as the statistics provided are based on available records and may not reflect the current state of every individual car.

Running Costs and Specifications

Running Costs and Specifications

The Nissan Almera, produced between 1996 and 2015, has a total of 889 registered vehicles in the UK. With an average annual mileage of 4,586 miles, owners can expect reasonable running costs, particularly when considering the fuel type distribution, which shows a predominance of petrol models (845) compared to diesel (44).

In terms of taxation, the Almera has a significant number of untaxed vehicles (559), while 168 are currently taxed and 161 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). This distribution may reflect the vehicle's age and the preferences of its owners.

The Almera has undergone a total of 13,597 MOT tests, with a pass rate of 74%. This indicates a relatively good reliability record, although it is essential to be aware of common failures. The most frequent issues reported include lighting (114 failures), brakes (79 failures), and other categories such as exhaust and emissions (37 failures) and tyres (31 failures).

Colour preferences among Almera owners show a strong inclination towards blue (256 vehicles), followed by silver (242) and grey (150). Red (79) and black (68) are less common but still represent a notable portion of the vehicle population.

For potential buyers, understanding the specifications and running costs of the Nissan Almera is crucial. The vehicle's age range, from 1996 to 2015, means that there are various models available, each with its own characteristics and potential maintenance needs. Always consider the specific model year and its history when evaluating running costs.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current market conditions or individual vehicle histories.

Alternative Models to Consider

If you're considering the Nissan Almera, it may be beneficial to explore alternative models that offer similar features and performance. The Almera, produced between 1996 and 2015, has a total of 889 registered vehicles in the UK, with a notable MOT pass rate of 74%. However, potential buyers should be aware of common failures, particularly in lighting (114 failures) and brakes (79 failures).

One alternative to consider is the Ford Focus, a popular choice known for its reliability and driving dynamics. The Focus has a strong reputation for safety and comfort, making it a suitable option for families and commuters alike.

Another model worth exploring is the Vauxhall Astra. With a similar age range and a robust selection of engines, the Astra offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It also boasts a spacious interior and a variety of trim levels to suit different preferences.

The Volkswagen Golf is another contender in this segment. Renowned for its build quality and refined driving experience, the Golf has a loyal following. Its strong resale value and extensive range of features make it a compelling alternative to the Almera.

For those prioritising fuel efficiency, the Toyota Auris could be an excellent choice. With a reputation for reliability and low running costs, the Auris is particularly appealing for budget-conscious buyers.

In terms of fuel type distribution, the Almera predominantly features petrol engines (845 units), with a smaller number of diesel options (44 units). This trend is mirrored in many of its alternatives, which often provide a range of petrol and diesel engines to cater to different driving needs.

Ultimately, while the Nissan Almera has its merits, exploring these alternative models may lead you to a vehicle that better suits your requirements. Always ensure to conduct thorough research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What years was the Nissan Almera produced?

The Nissan Almera was produced from 1996 to 2015, with various models released throughout this period. The most common years for the Almera on the road today are between 2001 and 2006.

How many Nissan Almera vehicles are currently registered in the UK?

As of now, there are 889 Nissan Almera vehicles registered in the UK. This includes a mix of petrol and diesel models.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Almera?

The MOT pass rate for the Nissan Almera stands at 74.0%. This indicates a relatively good level of roadworthiness among the registered vehicles.

What are the common reasons for MOT failures?

Common failures for the Nissan Almera during MOT tests include issues with lighting (114 failures), brakes (79 failures), and other categories such as exhaust and emissions (37 failures) and tyres (31 failures). Addressing these areas can improve the chances of passing the MOT.

What fuel types are available for the Nissan Almera?

The majority of Nissan Almera vehicles are petrol-powered, with 845 petrol models compared to 44 diesel models. This distribution reflects the preferences of Almera owners.

What colours are most popular for the Nissan Almera?

The most common colours for the Nissan Almera are blue (256 vehicles), silver (242 vehicles), and grey (150 vehicles). Other colours include red and black, but they are less prevalent.

Disclaimer: The data presented here is based on current registrations and MOT test statistics. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, figures may vary over time.

Data Source: This guide is based on analysis of extensive UK vehicle database in our database, including MOT test results and DVLA records.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and is based on historical data in our database. Always verify current vehicle details with official sources and get a professional inspection before purchase.

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