First car

piscesgirl1

Hi, I am thinking about buying a nissan almera 1.5 petrol as my first car. Any advice? Thanks:)

Kristopherus

Whats your budget? Have you got your eye on any particular Almera, local to you?

merc609

Hi, i drove one of these for a short while sometime ago during the time my own car was in the garage. I had it for about a week and have to say i found it very hard on petrol!!. As i say only had it for about a week, so couldn gauge it too much.....

mickdw

I would look for receipts for recent timing chain change as they are troublesome and expensive to replace. If no recent chain replacement, check that the car gets oil changes when required or else you will get stuck with the chain replacement bill. Also, the front cross member rots and is an NCT failure and again is expensive to do properly.
Check for engine management light functioning correctly and also that they are no starting issues

piscesgirl1

Thanks! Ya ive viewed one today, thinking bout buying it. 1400 euro its a 01.

Bonesy.

would you not just get a Punto or Micra for about 500 and put the rest towards insurance?

juice1304

my first car was bmw 316i compact 1.9l fun car

promethius

have used the 1.5l petrol. it was very heavy on juice.
horrible thing to drive, everything is cheap and feels like it's going to break and the gearbox is vague and squishy to say the least.

you can do better.

piscesgirl1

Got a quote on 123.ie for third party insurance 460 euro which I Thought was good. I dont want anything fancy just something to get me to work and wont break down!

kearney13

Get a VW caddy they would never let ya down :P

bazz26

kearney13 wrote: »

Get a VW caddy they would never let ya down :P

The OP is looking for his/her first car and you recommend a van.

OP, that model Almera is know for having issues with the timing chain tensioners. I'd look at the Mazda 323 of a similar vintage also.

piscesgirl1

Would you recommend getting a mechanic to look at it before buying?

juice1304

if you don't know what to be looking for buy it from a dealer and get a warranty, then you have something to fall back on. there are lots of deals to be had if you just spend some time looking. also if you are in a dealers and see a car that is a little bit more than your budget flash the cash, money talks. if you bring cash you will get a better deal everyone is trying to make a sale with the current state of affairs. and remember you will end up paying big bucks for your insurance so keep that in mind and ring around for the best quote first, you may be ably to affod the car be sure you have enough left over for insurance and tax. the insurance on my first car was E3250.00 it was a 1.9 beemer but it was going to be high on any car i bought so i did'nt mind paying the extra grand for the insurance as it was a fun car. might i add that was not fully comp.:eek::rolleyes::p