1998 Nissan Almera Si 1.4

Summary:

Extremely Reliable and comfortable, get one

Faults:

Passenger seat had to be replaced due to a stupid smoker.

Standard wear and tear, tyre's and brakes.

General Comments:

Its extremely reliable, nothing has gone wrong, no rattles or noises in the cabin at all.

Its not that fast only 110mph tops.

Its been lowered 35mm, 17" alloys, s/s de-cat exhaust (there is another cat in the manifold, and it has passed mot) k&n air filter, sounds well, and doesn't look too bad.

The black paint when washed looks real well, like as if you are looking into a void.

Seats are pretty decent, sporty enough but nothing to write home about. You can drive about in the car all day and get no aches or pains.

All the electrics still work real well, nothing has had to be replaced.

Castrol Formula RS oil, Bosh spark plugs, and BP Ultimate Unleaded make the car very smooth and a good bit sharper. (it is noticeable)

Keep it serviced and it will never cause you any problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2005

1998 Nissan Almera GTi 2.0 Injection

Summary:

This car is best described as a wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

There is a slight click from the clutch pedal upon release. This is a well documented fault of the Almera and requires a new pedal box.

Windscreen washer arms have become corroded.

General Comments:

The combination of a strut brace in the front and a anti-roll bar in the back makes this car feel as stiff as a steel. This combined with Nissan setting the car up at the Nurberg Ring in Germany makes for a splendid handling car.

But don't even think about eating your lunch whilst sitting in the front as it will soon be on your lap!

My car has a real hunger for tyres - and they are expensive too. Bridgestone Potenza'z are the optimum tyre choice, but a tad dear at £100 each!

Performance is strong, hold it in each gear and you got yourself a real flyer, but there is still room for improvement! I still wonder why Nissan never made a a Almera GTIR - with a turbo charger bolted onto the engine! I suppose I can only dream!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2003

26th Apr 2003, 06:04

They did, only an import though - Nissan Pulsar GTiR. Uses an uprated engine of the S14 200sx (SR20DET) that has around 280bhp and a 0-60 of 5 seconds or so. :)

6th Jun 2004, 15:47

That's true, but not in an Almera the N14 was a Pulsar.

11th Jul 2009, 03:59

In the Almera n15 in japan it was still called a Pulsar. You are looking for a Pulsar VZ-R, which has 200 bhp. Kicks ass. 0-60 in 6.7 seconds based a bit on their rally car by autech. Look for the VZR-n1. They also did a 175 bhp standard VZR.- sports seats, everything of GTI but more. Limited slip differential and real go cart handling. And the VZR was also did in a 5 door for family owners. A proper sports car.

1998 Nissan Almera 2.0.GTi 2.0 Ltr

Summary:

A really enjoyable performance bargain

Faults:

Rear screen wiper motor had to be replaced.

Front disc brakes replaced at 70000 miles.

General Comments:

After years of owning rather more normal Nissan cars, the oportunity arose for me to treat myself to an Almera GTi.

Finding a decent used car proved rather more difficult than I thought. But I eventually tracked down a very clean example. The mileage was rather higher than I wanted, but the condition of the car was such that it didn't matter.

I travel a lot in my job as a Road Safety Officer and really enjoy the car. Speed can be safe if used wisely and treated with respect. The Almera covers the ground very easily and always draws admiring looks wherever I go. Especially when it's black paint work is polished.

I have fitted a Sebring exhaust and plan one or two more modifications. I am interested in fitting an induction kit and a Samco hose kit' to smarten up the dull engine bay. The car will stay with me for sometime as I love it's blend of performance and economy.

Driving something that little bit more unusual also has it's appeal. Now an owners club for Almera GTi's is my next target. I started one for Mini's some years ago, so keep surfing the net and lets get together.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2002