1999 Nissan Almera GTi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Having owned the car for over 2 years now, in my experience Nissan`s are a TOTALLY reliable manufacturer.

My car has been driven VERY hard, but well looked after. It has not missed a beat once... just the usual wear items such as brakes and tires. The { timing chain driven } engine appears faultless and bombproof. Its the same engine found in the Primera GT.

The dashboard can squeak sometimes in very hot or cold weather. Easily fixed with WD40 though.

It can also take a long time to get the drivers seat in a comfy position...I`m just nit picking now!!

To sum up. I bet most VW drivers wished their cars were this reliable. How many coil packs and door locks have you replaced???!!!

`Didn`t know you could get an Almera GTi any good?`..that's most peoples first comment when they see my car.

Its no oil painting, but the joy riders walk straight past it.

Superb performance. I know its no Subaru or Evo, but its pretty fast. Beats 206 GTi, BMW 323, Focus 170, Golf 1.8T & 2.016v & V5. Faster cars can`t keep up round the twisty bits though.

Engine needs to be revved high, best above 5000 RPM then it flys.

Great handling helped by standard front and rear strut braces... downside bumpy ride.

Brakes not bad

Overall though, the best car I`ve ever driven, or owned taking price and performance into account. Buy a Golf GTi for image alone. Just remember your cars slower, doesn`t handle as well, is less reliable and cost MORE than mine!! I don`t think I will ever sell it, I like it that much. Maybe for a Subaru Impreza Turbo.

I've never replaced any coil packs or door locks on my Mk2 VW Golf and I doubt you would leave a Mk2 16v through the twistys.

Having driven an Almera GTi for nigh on two years I feel I am significantly experienced to say, `bumpy ride`, is an understatement. But it is fun. And so reliable. Not the fastest car, or the second fastest, or third etc etc etc. Suggest lowering and hardening the suspension and sticking a kangarooing racing clutch in. Makes it even dafter to drive.

An update on my original review...

The Almera is still going strong (82k) with no problems to report, after 3.5 years of ownership. It now has a full stainless exhaust with Hotshot header with decat pipe.

Oh and to the Golf owner... you would stand even LESS chance on the twisty bits!...your cars still good though.

I had a standard bodykit model black 98 almeara gti in 2000. I had to sell for the money, and I've had a 93vw golf gti 8v, and a bmw 320 I since. the golf was a dog, had to spend 400 in three months, so sold it. bmw was saloon and grey bumpers (safety option after golf experience) - had to go when I saw my new car.

Red 98 almera gti - never let you down, not too much of a boy racer looks with performance to beat many of the big boys.

Now im not suggesting for a minute all golfs are dogs. I was unlucky, but the scoreline speaks for itself for me - nissan 2 - golf 1.

If your reading this thinking of getting one... get it. you won't be disapponted. Reliable, smart bodykit, quick, fun, cheap, inconspicuous. A wolf in sheeps clothing. get one.

Absoloutely fantastic cars. Mine has cams, manifold full system, good filter and a short shift, and leves lots of cars in it's wake. And around the twisty B roads it's in a different league.