2003 Nissan Almera: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Nissan Almera?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Nissan Almera than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Nissan Almera

  13.4% All 2003 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 3% of all 2003 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Nissan Almera

  11.9% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Battery2.5× usual
  Nissan Almera

  3.3% All 2003 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Corroded fuel pipes2.9× usual
  Nissan Almera

  2.3% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2003 Nissan Almera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Nissan Almera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  38% 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
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 1.9× as often on the 2003 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Nissan Almera as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?