primera or almera?

jamesr123

I am looking into getting a new car and I have narrowed it down to either an almera or primera 1999- 2000

I have heard great things about the primera but the 1.6 engine might be to much money as my insurance is very high as is, Plus the tax seems very high.

I like the almera but I hear that the gearbox is very weak? and I have been told by several people to just stay away from them altogether, However my neighbour has one for sale failry cheaply and the smaller engine would suit me better..

Advice needed please.....

colm_mcm

Primera gearboxes are equally fragile. A pre vvti Avensis is a much better option.

fonecrusher1

colm_mcm wrote: »

Primera gearboxes are equally fragile. A pre vvti Avensis is a much better option.

You sure your not thinking of the 2002 onwards primera. Didn't think there was much wrong with pre-renault involvement primeras.

Ricardo G

I've had numerous almera's ranging from 95-00 and never had a single issue with a gearbox and have never heard of them going (not saying they don't)

colm_mcm

I know of 2 original almeras belonging to friends that had box failure. Traded in a primera 01 with box gone too, people in the trade at the time said it was common

langdang

colm_mcm wrote: »

I know of 2 original almeras belonging to friends that had box failure. Traded in a primera 01 with box gone too, people in the trade at the time said it was common

Seems to be common opinion with mechanics alright. Had a sunny for a while (probably same or similar box to almera). Was making a lot of noise by the time I'd got my moneys worth out of it. Mechanic was of the opinion that all Nissan gearbox bearings were a bit soft.

But shur if you bought one without noisy bearings, even if it started making noise a few months later - you'd have your moneys worth out of it before the box died altogether?

Buffman

OP, your sort of down in bangernomics territory there so I wouldn't be worrying much about gearboxes etc. TBH I never heard of gearbox problems with either of them cars until reading this. My own is a 1.4 N15 Almera with around 200K miles on it and no major issues.

If you can afford it I'd go for the 1.6 Primera, the 1.4 Almera is ok but can be a bit slugish if you're used to something with more power.

Tax is €333/1.4 V €445/1.6. Shop around for insurance to get the best price on either.

fonecrusher1

Buffman wrote: »

the 1.4 Almera is ok but can be a bit slugish if you're used to something with more power.

+1 ^

Owned a 1.4 2000 almera a few years ago. Fine solid car with zero problems but by gumbo was it slow. Overtaking? Forget about it. I know your never going to be getting a fast car when you buy an oul almera but its a horribly gutless car. Reliable enough though.

I'd recommend a 1.4vvti corolla over it any day. A better car in every area in my opinion. Just check that oil & ask if its had any oil burning issues as some vvtis have been known to burn excessive oil.

jamesr123

This is the sort of almera that I have been offered http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2392270 Not that exact car...

I have never heard of the almera being sluggish?

johnos1984

jamesr123 wrote: »

This is the sort of almera that I have been offered http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2392270 Not that exact car...

I have never heard of the almera being sluggish?

Check if it is an import and then check the sills for rust. A well known issue.

TBH I'd recomend a Corolla VVTI saloon for cheap motoring

Buffman

jamesr123 wrote: »

I have never heard of the almera being sluggish?

Ye, maybe sluggish is too strong a word, but you do have to plan your overtaking and be in the correct gear. Saying that, you can still cruise at 120+ on a motorway with no issues, for a few months I was doing a 200km commute on mixed roads with no problems.

What sort of money is your neighbour looking for? Any NCT/Tax, what sort of mileage?

johndaman66

If you have your heart absolutely set on a Nissan (as you seem to do) I'd nearly be inclined to tough it out for a few years with the Almera if insurance is dramatically higher for you on the Primera, otherwise Primera, in particular if you will be doing a lot of driving on the open road as oppossed to town/ city driving.

Having said that I'd double check insurance first. I hadn't being driving for too long at which point Quinn Direct were oddly quoting me the same premium on a 1.3 Corolla/ 1.6 or 1.8 Vectra or Volvo S40...Thats all down to your individual circumstances and the individual insurance company though.

One thing to look out for in them Primeras or Almera's is that the bar behind the front bumper is suspectable to rusting. Seemingly quite a number of them have failed NCT for this. Not saying that there are no other things that are known weak areas in them (as I do not know!) but thats one thing in particular that you should be weary off anyway.

colm_mcm

I'd be checking the underside for rust, even on Irish models. we had a 99 in the garage a few years back that was in bits with rust underneath.

YouTookMyName

Mate of mine had the shit welded out of his 02 almera for the nct.

jamesr123

Well I ended up buying a 00 almera, 1000 euro with three months tax,new clutch and three months warranty (got that in writing) it has been well looked after. Plus she only passed the nct 2 weeks ago.

It has a hundred thousand on the clock but the engine is running great, i'm happy enough with it.. Seems great of fuel aswell..



Underneath seems rust free, I got a mechanic mate to have a good look at it..

Buffman

jamesr123 wrote: »

Well I ended up buying a 00 almera,

Good luck with it, it's only been run in with 100k miles on it!:D