2000 Nissan Almera: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Nissan Almera?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Nissan Almera than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Nissan Almera

  16.3% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 3.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Nissan Almera

  16.7% All 2000 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 4.5% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Individual direction indicators2.9× usual
  Nissan Almera

  9.5% All 2000 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Nissan Almera

  10.4% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2000 Nissan Almera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Nissan Almera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Nissan Almera

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2000 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?