Expert answer

Hi Breda,

This really sounds like a valve timing problem to us and that may not be detected in the diagnostics computer. Bring the car to a mechanic and ask them to check the timing. This could take them an hour or so.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Well, with that kind of budget to shop with you're well into the price range for most compact 1.6 diesel hatchbacks, and I'm talking new (or nearly new if you're looking to maximise the bargain). 

So I'd recommend going for one of Volkswagen's new trio of compact cars, the Golf, Octavia or Leon (sadly the Audi A3 is probably out of your price range).  All three are excellent, solidly build and share the same frugal 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. Of the three, I'd suggest going for the Leon as it gets you the best all round car, but the classiness of the Golf or the practicality of the Octavia are equally strong draws. Can't go wrong with any of them really.

Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

Well, there are other Almeras around of that age and mileage for that kind of price, so perhaps we're jumping to conclusions here. It's also not unknown for a car to have multiple owners. Apparently there's a Honda Civic out there somewhere currently on its 40th owner! 

Nevertheless, if your antennae are twitching, it's always a good idea to follow up your suspicions. Check the service record. Does the car seem to have been back to the garage a lot? Can you contact any of the previous owners or a garage where the car has been looked after?

If you're still concerned, get the AA to inspect the car. They'll find out pretty quickly if there's anything wrong with it.

Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

It might be. It’s kind of impossible to tell without knowing a bit more about the car’s history. Six owners in 12 years is one new owner every two years, which isn’t too bad in general terms, but definitely something to get the antennae twitching. Check out the car’s history very carefully using Cartell.ie and see if you can get in touch with some of these former owners and see what their experience was.

Expert answer

Hi Paula,

Yes, very, very reliable. But also, I'm afraid, very, very boring. Still, sometimes it's the dullest cars that give the fewest problems...

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Generally Chevriolet Lacettis (and Chevrolets in general) are pretty solidly built, but they're a long, long way from being the most inspiring car around. Essentially, they're cheap, cheerless but solid transport, just as they were when they were still badged as Daewoos.

As for choosing between an Almera and a Lancer, we'd go for the Almera simply because it has a (slightly) nicer interior and is (slightly) nicer to drive.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ano,

It depends on your priorities. The Almera isn't very interesting, but it is hugely reliable and roomy, so it’s a sensible choice. The Golf is more stylish, better to drive and has a classier cabin, but is perhaps around 90 per cent as reliable, overall, as the Nissan.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Well, generally we'd say that the only problem with the Almera is that it's just about the dullest car ever made. And that's not just our view; Nissan itself basically admitted as much when it decided that a conventional five-door hatch was just not good enough anymore and replaced it with the Qashqai.

Still, the Almera is a spacious, comfy five-or-four-door family car and I guess there's nothing wrong with that. There are a few reported problems though. The headlights can mist up and stop working, so check them for condensation. The rocker cover gaskets can leak oil and the radiators are occasionally leaky and clog-prone. Timing chains need to be tightened at 9,000-mile intervals or the engine develops a misfire. Faulty oxygen sensors can lead to engine management issues and are a surprisingly expensive fix. Front brakes can wear unevenly and the handbrake mechanism can cause the rear handbrake calipers to get sticky.

That's about it though. Almeras have a rep for being pretty reliable.

Expert answer

Hi Davina,

There are quite a lot of 2007 Almeras around and yours does have significantly higher mileage than most currently on offer, so I'd say you're looking at a value of about €5,000.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi May,

In general these engines are very robust and don't use much oil. Of course if any engine isn't serviced then its reliability will suffer. The Almera's can have timing chain problems in that case. If you're getting high oil consumption then you really should bring to a mechanic to ascertain why.

Hope that helps