How often does the Nissan Almera's timing belt need changing?
How often does the timing belt need to be changed on a Nissan Almera?
Paul Kerrigan (Leixlip)Aug 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The only Almera engine we have timing belt data on is the 2.0-litre diesel. It should be changed every five years or 87,000 kilometres - whichever is sooner.
Hope that helps.
We need a second car for less than €5,000.
Hi there. I am looking for a used small car from 2006 on with four doors and small engine, just as a second car for my wife. Maybe for less than €5,000. Any recommendations or no goes?! Thanks
Hagen Stroh (Greystones)Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Hagen,
There's a lot of choice on the market for that price. Here's a few cars we'd consider good buys for the purpose you've described:
Citroen C3, Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Honda Jazz, Mazda3, Nissan Almera, Nissan Micra, Opel Astra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Cordoba, SEAT Leon, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo.
I appreciate that's a long list, but we've left out plenty too! If you'd like more in depth help with choosing from the above come back to us.
What should I do about squeaking brakes?
My front passenger-side wheel is making a squeaking noise when in motion. It's a 2006 Nissan Almera SXE. Also my brakes make a load noise when being pressed. Can you help please?
Leeianne Roche (Limerick City)Sep 2011 Filed under: brakes
Expert answer
Hi Leeianne,
There are a few things this could be. The simplest, and cheapest to fix, is a stone or something stuck in the brake calliper. It'd take a mechanic five minutes to sort that out for you. However, it could be that your brake pads are worn down to the metal as well, which is more serious. Either way, the sooner you get the wheel off for someone to look at it the better.
Hope that helps.
Can I service my Nissan Almera myself?
How do I service my own Nissan Almera oil and air filters?
Joseph Roche (Limerick City)Sep 2011 Filed under:
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
Unless you have proper disposal facilities and you have some experience in doing so we'd urge you not to change the oil filter in your car for yourself.
It's normal practice to change the oil at the same time. We'd do the following. Note that these are not exhaustive instructions, it is assumed that the car is safely raised up and that you have an environmentally sound way to dispose of the old oil.
- Remove oil dipstick and oil filler cap.
- Remove sump plug and allow old oil to drain into suitable receptacle.
- If too tight to remove by hand, unscrew old oil filter using oil filter chain/belt tool, ensuring that the rubber seal comes away with it.
- Lightly rub new oil on seal of new oil filter and tighten up - by hand only.
- Replace sump plug. It is not unusual to have to replace the sealing washer that goes with this.
- Lower car to ground and top up oil with recommended grade to correct level on the dipstick.
- Close dipstick and filler cap and start car.
- Allow to idle for a few minutes, stop engine and check level again.
Top up if necessary. - Dispose of oil and filter in responsible manner.
Changing the air filter is much easier. Locate the air box under the bonnet. Its lid will be held on either by a series of clips or screws. Gently remove these and move the lid out of your way. Ensure that the replacement filter is an identical shape, replace and then reattach the lid as it was.
Hope that is of some help, though again, I'd discourage anyone from doing the oil and oil filter change unless you have the right facilities and tools.
Can I trade-in two cars?
I have a 2000 Nissan Almera and 2003 Skoda Octiava. I want to use both against a new car. What are my best options?
John
John Butler (Thurles)May 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John - click on the link to see the video answer
If you did sell one privately, perhaps you could sell the Octavia and avail of the scrappage scheme (while there is time left) on the Almera. Come back to us if you need more help!
Help! I'm confused by Almera models
What is the differance between the 2004 Nissan Almera saloon 1.5 and the Nissan Almera Tekna saloon 1.5?
Brendan Higgins (Dublin)May 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
The Tekna is just a specification - like GL or GLX, so there would be no difference in engines or performance and running costs. It might have a slightly higher specification than a standard car, but the likelihood is that all cars around that time might be Tekna.
I hope this helps!
Is an Almera loan car acceptable for delayed Qashqai order?
Hi,
I ordered a Nissan Qashqai in December 2010 and was given a delivery date of early February. This was changed to mid/late March last week and the dealer offered a 2007 Almera until the Qashqai is ready. Is this a reasonable offer? Does it go on my insurance policy?
ERIC LEAHY (CORK)Feb 2011 Filed under: new car ordering
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
I know that Nissan are experiencing enormous delays with the Qashqai and that it can mean waiting a few weeks more for your car. The fact that you are being offered a loan car is quite good service on the part of the dealer. Usually, the car would be put on to your insurance unless of course they have another arrangement. I think they are being very fair with this, some dealers would just tell you its delayed and leave you to your own devices.
Replacing an Almera under scrappage
I want to replace my ten year-old Nissan Almera and I am told the Nisssan Tiida is it's natural successor.
I've seen very few few on the roads and cannot find a test drive report on it. Do you have any info on this car please?
My budget is up to €20,000 as well as the scrappage allowance.
Pat O'Regan (Limerick)May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Pat
The Nissan Tiida could probably be best described as an experiment that didn't really work in Ireland. Once Nissan had stopped production of the Almera, a car that was very popular in Ireland, Nissan were left with something of a gap in their product range. Rather than leaving this empty they took on the Tiida, which was a car that was sold in markets such as the Middle East, and as the Nissan Versa in the United States and in any market it was sold it was a budget buy.
There is nothing wrong with the Tiida, but it just isn't the most exciting car to drive or probably own and for that reason it has received a pretty lukewarm reception in Ireland.
There is €4,000 off the Tiida at the moment (including government allowance), so that means you would get the Tiida Diesel for €16,480. If you just want a car for getting from A to B then this will do the job perfectly fine.
However, the reason Nissan haven't been overly worried by the Tiida is that they have been selling shedloads of their Qashqai and that is a really excellent vehicle. It sits quite high up, is quite cheap to run and will be reliable. There is a new 2010 model too and there is a €4,000 scrappage offer on that too at the moment.
The Qashqai 1.5d XE costs €23,995 and with €4,000 off that you would be just about under budget and this would be an infinitely better buy than the Tiida, albeit a fair bit more expensive that the Tiida.
You can read our review of the new Qashqai here
http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Nissan/Qashqai/Qashqai/231/53
And details on the new Qashqai can be found at this part of the Nissan site
http://www.nissan.ie/new_vehicles/pricing.aspx?CarID=137
There are lots of other cars to consider with your budget
You could have a Hyundai i30, which is an excellent 5-door hatchback from €15,995 under the scheme.
The Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel would be well under your budget, or you could try the new Renault Fluence, if you fancied a saloon. Here is a review I did on it for The Irish Times recently http://tiny.cc/30ag3
I am not sure if any of these will float your boat, but please feel free to come back to us for more advice.
Out of this lot, I'd have the Qashqai though.