Help-Do I keep 99 Almera or buy new clio-dilemma?

lameire

Hi
I'm new to the boards and this is my first post.

I really don't know what to do and genuinely need some help/advice.

I live in a rural area, lots of hills, farms etc. I have a 99 Nissan Almera which (touch wood) has never given me any probs. NCT is due August 2011. It has 92k on the clock.I'm up & down the hills daily.Its a 'hard drive'.I need a relable car for the forseeable future.No public transport here. We got snowed in for 17 days December 2009/jan 2010!

I'm worried that the car might not pass its NCT next year or worse, that it won't last till next year or its time may be up within a couple of years and that I may not then be able to afford another car. I don't know how'long' the 'lifespan' of an Almera this age is?? AND wonder if I should be looking to trade it in soon i.e.before NCT next year.

A local garage told me about scrappage scheme exp 31/12 & has a great offer on a Clio BUT theres only 2 left and I need to make a decision tomorrow!

Its brand new, a 3 door 1.2 royale ethanol & he'll do a 5 year warranty.

Am I mad thinking of changing when nothing wrong with Almera?
I know NOTHING about Renault. Is it reliable? Is the clio a 'city runaround' and not suitable for my 'hard drive' etc etc.

I'm trying to think ahead!

The price he's quoted is very good and not much difference between what I paid for a few years ago for my second hand Almera and amazed I can get a new clio for this price?

WHAT DO I DO?

Any suggestions/help/advice GREATLY appreciated!!!!

Regards

lameire

richardsheil

What you do is you don't make a decision based on the hard sell from the dealer that you have to decide tomorrow.

Take your time.

richardsheil

richardsheil wrote: »

Take your time.

I agree
Also if your Almera has been regularly serviced and doesn't need topping up with oil or water it will last a good few years yet. If I was you and getting a Clio I'd get the diesel one, or a diesel Megane.

johnos1984

At this stage your Almera has little value.

If its running fine and does the job why change it? As you say you may not have money in the future so wouldn't you be better off saving your money for when its needed.

I'd keep the Almera until it dies and then replace it with something suitable which you can afford

Merch

as above, dont worry if it will fail, its a year away you say (NCT)

I'd prefer nissan to renault myself but you have another years driving, I think that scrappage will be extended and even if it isnt if its running ok then I'd drive it on, if its been serviced even just the basics then it could still be ok.

I think you'd be mad to be pushed into a sale, its like that guy is selling the last 2 clios ever lol I wouldnt listen to the hard sell, drive your nissan on and save your money until you really have to buy

Its your decision in the end, but I reckon you could drive that nissan on for another 50k, if you keep it maintained, whats your annual mileage?

lameire

Merch wrote: »

as above, dont worry if it will fail, its a year away you say (NCT)

I'd prefer nissan to renault myself but you have another years driving, I think that scrappage will be extended and even if it isnt if its running ok then I'd drive it on, if its been serviced even just the basics then it could still be ok.

I think you'd be mad to be pushed into a sale, its like that guy is selling the last 2 clios ever lol I wouldnt listen to the hard sell, drive your nissan on and save your money until you really have to buy

Its your decision in the end, but I reckon you could drive that nissan on for another 50k, if you keep it maintained, whats your annual mileage?

I actually don't know what my annual mileage is:o
I think its about 10k to 12k!!

lameire

lameire

Thanks everyone.
Definitely given me food for thought!!

There are such good offers out there at the moment v the age of the car etc that I thought maybe I should 'go for it'.

BUT

I'll weigh up and explore other options as suggested.

I suppose I just worry too much that in a years time i'll be broke and have no wheels (the way this economy is going):rolleyes:

lameire

johnos1984

If you end up that broke check out the bangernomics thread for some useful cheap car suggestions

I think you would be better off keeping the car, saving your money and if times are tight when the time comes to replace the Almera purchase a good condition second hand car

Merch

but if you had no money in the future, how would you pay for it anyway, unless you mean pay for it all in one go.
If it turned out you needed something in the future, you'd always get something cheap that wouldnt entail big payments

If it was me, I'd drive it on
as its not me thats all I can recommend,

30H!3

You are mad to even think about getting rid of that almera!

They are among the most rock solid cars every built. I've a 1997 almera 1.4 petrol with 155,000 miles on the clock that just passed the NCT a few weeks ago, first time through.

The car has never given me even the slightest problem and is still running like new.

And you are thinking about replacing it with a renault!!! madness!!!!!

I can pretty much guarantee the new renault will give you more problems than that almera! There's a nissan almera for sale here with 257,000 miles on the clock.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/Almera/1.4-GX/201033199207631/advert?channel=CARS

Most cars would be long dead before 200k, but according to that ad it's still running fine! Has some nct/tax left too. Anyway the point I am making is keep the almera!!! There's a lot of life still left in her with only 92k on the clock.

SV

30H!3 wrote: »

I can pretty much guarantee the new renault will give you more problems than that almera!

Can you pretty much guarantee your ignorance?

Conor_M1990

Keep the Almera Any jap car of that era is bulletproof once maitaned it problaby Owes you nothing aswell if its look after it should pass the NCT

This is the problem with the scrappage scheme it takes prefectly good servicable cars and replaces them with unrelible toasters makes no sense in my eyes to replace a good solid old Japanese car with a new euro box

Theres still a good 10-15 years on that car imo 92k is nothing if you driving on alot of hills and bad roads a 1.9 2.0 TD of some sort might be a better job the torque will pull you up a hill better

30H!3

SV wrote: »

Can you pretty much guarantee your ignorance?

I'm basing it on my (and a few family members) ownership of that model nissan almera, vs the amount of problems I've seen people having with renaults (both here and personal experience).

A simple google search for "nissan almera problems" vs "renault clio problems" yields 277,000 vs 670,000 results respectively.

I've never known anyone with a renault, who hasn't had serious problems with it (engine/electrics/water pump/timing belt/chain/clutch/etc) this is common knowledge.

Gitb1

30H!3 wrote: »

I'm basing it on my (and a few family members) ownership of that model nissan almera, vs the amount of problems I've seen people having with renaults (both here and personal experience).

A simple google search for "nissan almera problems" vs "renault clio problems" yields 277,000 vs 670,000 results respectively.

I've never known anyone with a renault, who hasn't had serious problems with it (engine/electrics/water pump/timing belt/chain/clutch/etc) this is common knowledge.

Do you realize how closely related nissans and renaults actually are?

Stephen

They weren't that closely related back in that Almera's day. That said, the Clio is probably the most reliant Renault you can get.

Gitb1

Gitb1 wrote: »

Do you realize how closely related nissans and renaults actually are?

No Renault influence in a 99 Almera.

lameire

Thanks everyone.
I've decided to put the Almera in for its 'winter service' next week.

I'll speak to the garage thereafter to ensure no major probs.

All going well, I'm going to hold on to it.

If anything major shows up, I'll review new car option again.

Many Many thanks for your assistance

Regards

lameire

Anan1

SV wrote: »

Can you pretty much guarantee your ignorance?

Banned for a week for personal abuse.

Anan1

lameire wrote: »

Thanks everyone.
I've decided to put the Almera in for its 'winter service' next week.

I'll speak to the garage thereafter to ensure no major probs.

All going well, I'm going to hold on to it.

If anything major shows up, I'll review new car option again.

Many Many thanks for your assistance

Regards

lameire

Just as long as this isn't the same garage that's trying to sell you the Clio...;)

BostonB

Don't fix what doesn't need to be fix. As long as theres no big bills I'd keep it. Your happy with it, thats all that matters. Wait till you get a few big bills looming, then rethink it.

Cionád

30H!3 wrote: »

You are mad to even think about getting rid of that almera!

They are among the most rock solid cars every built. I've a 1997 almera 1.4 petrol with 155,000 miles on the clock that just passed the NCT a few weeks ago, first time through.

The car has never given me even the slightest problem and is still running like new.

+1, I've a 98 with 186,000 miles, and its passed its last 4 NCTs first time without issue. I service it myself and it's never given me any hassle - there is not much that can go wrong with them.

I was also in the OPs position, but ultimitely decided to keep the Nissan until it gives up (if it ever does). A new Clio does have its plus points though, lower tax, option of a 5 year warranty and a better safety record, almera has v. poor euro ncap http://www.euroncap.com/tests/nissan_almera_1999/39.aspx

Your decision should be based on how long you are planning on keeping it and can you afford to take out finance. Work out the depreciation, and compare to the fuel savings and lower tax. Then list what you are getting for your money in terms of better safety, comfort or even some basic things that many almeras lack - cup holders and electric windows (I feel like a peasant!)

lameire

Cionád wrote: »

+1, I've a 98 with 186,000 miles, and its passed its last 4 NCTs first time without issue. I service it myself and it's never given me any hassle - there is not much that can go wrong with them.

I was also in the OPs position, but ultimitely decided to keep the Nissan until it gives up (if it ever does). A new Clio does have its plus points though, lower tax, option of a 5 year warranty and a better safety record, almera has v. poor euro ncap http://www.euroncap.com/tests/nissan_almera_1999/39.aspx

Your decision should be based on how long you are planning on keeping it and can you afford to take out finance. Work out the depreciation, and compare to the fuel savings and lower tax. Then list what you are getting for your money in terms of better safety, comfort or even some basic things that many almeras lack - cup holders and electric windows (I feel like a peasant!)

Ver good advice

Thank you

The clio will cost circa €10k/10,500 new-for the 1.2 royale ethanol with a 5yr warranty!& it just sounded like such a good deal that's why I was wondering am I mad to turn away such an offer or mad to even think about giving up the Almera!!

lameire

Keebler

Hi,
I had a 99 Almera saloon. Had to scrap it after someone rearended me. However there was 150,000 miles on the clock and no major problems with engine at that time. If you dont have any problems at the moment hang on to it. You can check it out with a pre NCT test somewhere in your locality. Dont ever let a car salesman push you into buying, especially on the basis of only 2 left. There's always more out there just as good if not better. Another thing, you probably have a 1.4 engine, and you'll do your head in changing down to a 1.2, especially with all the hills you drive.

lameire

Keebler wrote: »

Hi,
I had a 99 Almera saloon. Had to scrap it after someone rearended me. However there was 150,000 miles on the clock and no major problems with engine at that time. If you dont have any problems at the moment hang on to it. You can check it out with a pre NCT test somewhere in your locality. Dont ever let a car salesman push you into buying, especially on the basis of only 2 left. There's always more out there just as good if not better. Another thing, you probably have a 1.4 engine, and you'll do your head in changing down to a 1.2, especially with all the hills you drive.

Good news that it can last so long-thanks
Sorry to hear you were rear-ended. Hope you weren't injured!

Good point re engine.I was told the engines nowadays have more 'oommph' than when they were made back in 99, & that should compensate for the hills etc.I was told they'd be no prob to the clio!

Told you I knew nothing about cars and thats why i'm on here!

lameire

BrianD3

It is likely that that Almera will need work doing to it. Wear and tear, rust on the body and brake lines etc. It's to be expected on an 11 year old car. It should still be much cheaper than the depreciation on a new car. If a loan needs to be taken out to buy the new car then that makes the cost higher again.

However anyone who says that a new Clio is "guaranteed to give more problems" than a 11 year old Almera hasn't a clue. The Clio's reliability has been independently shown to be good and in this case we're talking about a new car with 0 miles and a 5 year warranty.

It's also pretty irresponsible to be telling people that old Almeras are "rock solid" and "bulletproof" without mentioning their very poor passive safety compared to a new Clio. Without trying to be overly dramactic that sort of advice could cost the OP his life or at least his legs if he's unlucky enough to be involved in a 35-40 mph crash.

Keebler

lameire wrote: »

Good news that it can last so long-thanks
Sorry to hear you were rear-ended. Hope you weren't injured!

Good point re engine.I was told the engines nowadays have more 'oommph' than when they were made back in 99, & that should compensate for the hills etc.I was told they'd be no prob to the clio!

Told you I knew nothing about cars and thats why i'm on here!

lameire

No Problem with the rearending other than the hassle of replacing the car. By the way I bought an 01 Almera as a replacement, I had that much faith in the car. Not sure about the extra 'oommph' but a 1.2 is never going to be more than a 1.2.

Keebler

BrianD3

BrianD3 wrote: »

It's also pretty irresponsible to be telling people that old Almeras are "rock solid" and "bulletproof" without mentioning their very poor passive safety compared to a new Clio. Without trying to be overly dramactic that sort of advice could cost the OP his life or at least his legs if he's unlucky enough to be involved in a 35-40 mph crash.

Are there any cars out there that protect the occupants more than a clio ? If so should the OP be advised to purchase one of these instead ?

:P

BrianD3

RoverJames wrote: »

Are there any cars out there that protect the occupants more than a clio ?
:P

Yes there are but this thread is about a 99 Almera compared a new Clio. The Clio is much the safer of these two. Yet only one poster mentioned this while a few gave some pretty bogus reasons for why he should stick with the Almera.

Owen

I'm painting a 00 Almera today. And as much as I wanted to hate it for being bland, boring, dull, it's not a bad little car! I enjoyed driving it, and if I was motoring on a budget, you could do a whole lot worse IMO.

um7y1h83ge06nx

Those Almeras are cheap and cheerful motoring.

I have a '99 with 164K miles on the clock, apart from needing to buy second-hand spark leads (€10) and a wiper arm (can't remember the price) it's been grand.

I want to buy a Honda Accord but I know in my mind it just doesn't make sense so I'm going to drive the Almera as long as it keeps going.

I think the "rock solid" and "bulletproof" being mentioned relates to the general reliability than the safety aspect of the car.

BrianD3

BrianD3 wrote: »

while a few gave some pretty bogus reasons for why he should stick with the Almera.

They're reliable, many of them do huge mileage without any major trouble, it's NCTd for a year, does the job fine.......... sounds good to me to be honest. Apart from the Renault salesman with the last two Clio available on the scrappage scheme I didn't see anything bogus in the rest of the posts to be honest. €10,000 saving is also a pretty solid reason imo.

Merch

Anan1 wrote: »

Just as long as this isn't the same garage that's trying to sell you the Clio...;)

This may seem humerous but I was going to post the exact samer thing, Im sure they are (and hope they are genuine) but anyone that is desperate to sell, well who knows. I would not get it serviced at the same place that intends selling you a car, my two cents on that.

BrianD3 wrote: »

It is likely that that Almera will need work doing to it. Wear and tear, rust on the body and brake lines etc. It's to be expected on an 11 year old car. It should still be much cheaper than the depreciation on a new car. If a loan needs to be taken out to buy the new car then that makes the cost higher again.

It's also pretty irresponsible to be telling people that old Almeras are "rock solid" and "bulletproof" without mentioning their very poor passive safety compared to a new Clio. Without trying to be overly dramactic that sort of advice could cost the OP his life or at least his legs if he's unlucky enough to be involved in a 35-40 mph crash.

Thats quite specific saying "it will need work" really depends on the car and its usage, and why specifically the brake lines??
I dont think its irresponsible for people to give their opinions based on their own car and their own experience, I assume they mean it never gives them any problems when they say its rock solid and bulletproof

Also without coming across as if Im having a go lol that does actually sound like you are being overly dramatic Im mean cost them their life in a 35 mph crash, I'm not saying it couldn't happen but it is a bit dramatic.
Do you sell renaults by any chance

Anan1

Merch wrote: »

I'm not saying it couldn't happen but it is a bit dramatic.
Do you sell renaults by any chance

It sounds very dramatic, but it's also quite true. Google crash tests between older & newer cars, one between a Volvo 940 and a Renault Modus. Now that's dramatic.:)

Merch

That one from top gear? saw it, looks like the modus comes off bad but as they say its absorbing the damage, which limits the energy transferred to the driver.
I appreciate that, if thats the case thousands of people would change their cars, not just Almeras, all older cars.
At 35mph, Id be suspect of the comment still being slightly dramatic suggesting they could die! but I did add an exclaimer, having said that if the OP has managed this far not to be in anything like that, chances are that will continue, thought it was all more about wether an almera will croak or not and it seems plenty think Almeras are pretty reliable regarding the miles they can do. For me, it would be a competition with myself to see how many miles I could do.

I still cant help but smile as if the dealer was selling the last two clios ever (not at the OP) but that the dealer would try convince someone that way, it sounds slightly unscrupulous to me, but I'm suspicious by nature I think.

johnos1984

Stephen wrote: »

That said, the Clio is probably the most reliant Renault you can get.

You mean it has three wheels and a fiberglass body?

Anan1

Merch wrote: »

That one from top gear? saw it, looks like the modus comes off bad but as they say its absorbing the damage, which limits the energy transferred to the driver.
I appreciate that, if thats the case thousands of people would change their cars, not just Almeras, all older cars.
At 35mph, Id be suspect of the comment still being slightly dramatic suggesting they could die! but I did add an exclaimer, having said that if the OP has managed this far not to be in anything like that, chances are that will continue, thought it was all more about wether an almera will croak or not and it seems plenty think Almeras are pretty reliable regarding the miles they can do. For me, it would be a competition with myself to see how many miles I could do.

I still cant help but smile as if the dealer was selling the last two clios ever (not at the OP) but that the dealer would try convince someone that way, it sounds slightly unscrupulous to me, but I'm suspicious by nature I think.

I'd agree with you re the dealer and their methods, it rings warning bells for me too. The point i'm making is that one point in favour of the Clio is crashworthiness - hit a lamp post at 35mph in the Almera and you probably will die, do it in the Clio and you'll likely be ok.

Merch

Anan1 wrote: »

I'd agree with you re the dealer and their methods, it rings warning bells for me too. The point i'm making is that one point in favour of the Clio is crashworthiness - hit a lamp post at 35mph in the Almera and you probably will die, do it in the Clio and you'll likely be ok.

I dont know about that, maybe if you didnt have your seat belt on but I'm no expert, I couldn't say for sure.
There is no doubt newer cars are better at absorbing damage, someone told me recently of a new car they saw that was in a crash (they didnt see the actual crash) and they were horrified how much damage there was, especially as they said the other car was hardly damaged at all (they think it was older)
All i could suggest to them is it must be to do with the crupple zones and the car absorbed the damage that ended up not being transmitted to the passengers.
No doubt the almera might be under that category of older car but as for mileage it will probably go for a long time as it stands.

I think people write off (in their minds) a car when it gets to a certain age/mileage before its time.
Newer cars will generally have better something or other and safety standards will hopefully improve

If I was the OP I'd be holding on to that car, it sounds like a grand job, I hate to think of something like that being scrapped
drive it on and into the ground I say (not dangerously, just as long as it is no longer cost effective or starts giving major problems)

Keebler

Anan1 wrote: »

I'd agree with you re the dealer and their methods, it rings warning bells for me too. The point i'm making is that one point in favour of the Clio is crashworthiness - hit a lamp post at 35mph in the Almera and you probably will die, do it in the Clio and you'll likely be ok.

Wooah on there. Talk of definitely killing yourself or definitely being safe in a crash no matter what the speed sounds to me like it should be left to the experts, as there would be so many variables involved. The topic is about whether or not to hang on to a reasonably good Almera with fairly low mileage rather than changing it for a new car. Maybe just leave it at that.

itarumaa

I have an old 98 year car and it has 4 star safety rating, so it does not necessary mean that old car is unsafe.

Merch

hmm having looked it up the NCAP rating isnt too good for a 99 almera,
having said that, Id still drive it on, especially if the OP doesnt do long drives/big mileage (ie they only drive locally)

Anan1

Keebler wrote: »

Wooah on there. Talk of definitely killing yourself or definitely being safe in a crash no matter what the speed sounds to me like it should be left to the experts, as there would be so many variables involved.

I picked a lamp post as an extreme example to highlight the difference between an old and a new car. The point i'm trying to make is that the difference in crashworthiness will be dramatic.

Keebler wrote: »

The topic is about whether or not to hang on to a reasonably good Almera with fairly low mileage rather than changing it for a new car. Maybe just leave it at that.

Mightn't crash safety be relevant to that decision?

FWIW i'd recommend keeping the Almera too (for the same reasons as Merch gave), but that doesn't change the fact that a new Clio would be way safer.

lameire

Sorry I cannot reply personally to everyone who has responded.

I take on board your comments re safety on the Almera and that from the safety reports, it isn't as safe as the clio.
You are right, I do drive locally (not highly populated area) but do have to be careful of the odd tractor/trailer, cows (occasionally escaped bulls) and harvesters (some of which take up most of the road),
thats why my car has scratched paintwork on the passengers side (its beginning to rust a bit) and why I always watch my speed.

So you see, many people have made some VERY valid points and thank you for that!

Re the 2 clios, to be fair, I think what the salesman mean't was that there were only 2 he could find (at that price) on his system for delivery BEFORE end of September, when the special offer ends. I only had a choice of 2 colours (neither of which I particularly wanted) but if the money and reasons were right to buy and it was a good replacement car, I'd probably have gone with it.

As I said earlier, your very good advice and help has caused me to re-consider and weighing everything up, I'm going to stick with the Almera. Its being serviced next week (NOT THE SAME GARAGE I'M CONSIDERING BUYING FROM ) and we'll see how it goes.

thanks all

Regards

lameire

BostonB

If you are talking about a car that 5+ yrs newer, there may be big improvements in safety, even handling and braking. If its just a hack for running a few miles in a low speed speed environment, thats not as much an issue than if was a family transport being used at higher speed for long journeys. You also have to consider that those improvement may also increase complexity and thus problems and repair costs. You've got balance the pros and cons to everything.

sentient_6

I can never understand if someone has the money to buy a new car why they'd go for something like a clio, or micra or punto. Any time i see 2010 models of these & i just presume they've been won in competitions.

Merch

each to their own I suppose, depends what suits their budget and needs maybe?

pajo1981

"if you dont drive a 5 star Euro NCAP test that if you crash you are more than likely to die"

You are.

pajo1981

LIGHTNING wrote: »

just because your not driving a 5-star doesnt mean its a death trap.

No one said it was.

But you are more likely to die - statistically speaking.

sleepysniper

SV wrote: »

Can you pretty much guarantee your ignorance?

Dont be getting your back up now just because you have to drive a Clio

Oh and BTW



I know I'll get banned for this but seems to be worth it

johnos1984

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

lameire

Hi guys come on cool it.:eek:

It was just a question from a perplexed potential car purchaser who knows zero about cars looking for a bit of direction.

AND as I said before you've given me some very good indicators which I can take with me when I eventually replace my Almera. I'm very grateful for that.

Please no need to get too personal or abusive with each other. We all have our own opinions. We should all respect that.

Anyway, for those of you who are 'in the know' about cars, this should give you a laugh-
My first car was a fiat panda (new) and
My 2nd car was a fiat punto (new)

Some of you may have a little laugh at my ignorance when it comes to car purchasing BUT both served me very well.

The panda for 5 years and the punto for 9 years!!:D

Regards

lameire

johnos1984

Actually Lameire I like your first cars;)

Would you consider a modern Panda. I LOVE them......and there is a 4x4 version which would be good for country roads in the winter

New
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Panda/Scrappag/201029198868413/advert?channel=CARS

Second hand 4x4 Panda
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Panda/1.2-4X4-/201031199096209/advert?channel=CARS