Many people are wondering what can now be bought in the Russian car market for an amount not exceeding 400,000 rubles. At the same time, so that the car is not complete trash, relatively reliable, and inexpensive to maintain. The amount is not large, and if the products of the Russian and Chinese car industries do not inspire confidence for one reason or another, you will have to look at the secondary market. Today I propose to consider and compare two popular representatives of the "C" segment: Nissan Almera Classic or Ford Focus 2.
As for the appearance of both cars, at the moment, both models can be said to be outdated, but in truth, even being new, they did not differ in particular sophistication. There is a choice of what is called the taste and color ...
In the Russian market, the Nissan Almera Classic was presented only in the sedan body, when the Ford Focus could be chosen with bodies - a five-door and three-door hatchback, a sedan and a station wagon.
In terms of interior and finishing materials, both cars have hard plastic in the cabin and fabric seat upholstery. With regard to design and ergonomics, the Ford Focus interior will be more preferable, since there is, frankly, nothing to catch the eye in the Nissan Almera Classic interior. The optional equipment of the Ford Focus is also richer, although not abundant by today's standards.
In terms of dimensions, the volume of the interiors and trunks of the car, the cars are almost identical, so everyone can measure what is called for themselves.
Engines Nissan Almera Classic
As for the types of engines, only one version of the gasoline engine was installed on Nissan - with a volume of 1.6 to 107 "forces", aggregated either by a 5-speed "mechanics" or by a 4-speed automatic. At the same time, as many as five gasoline units were available for the Focus, with a volume of 1.4 to 2 liters.
The Nissan QG16DE engine was developed by Aichi Machine Industry in 1999 and lasted on the assembly line until 2013. It is a simple in-line "four" with a cast iron block and a timing chain drive with variable valve timing on the intake shaft, EGR system to reduce emissions and an intake manifold with variable intake geometry. At its time, it was a fairly progressive motor, which, moreover, is not demanding on maintenance. Since the cylinder block is cast iron, it can always be bored out, which is good for a used car, and their mileage is usually rather big. The chain usually stretches towards the end of its resource, which is 150,000 km for it.
This motor does not have hydraulic compensators, so adjusting the valve clearance after buying a car with any mileage is simply mandatory. Often runs are wound up, and few people produce such works from the first or second owners. As sores, you can recall the still short-lived catalyst and the constantly clogged throttle valve. Otherwise, it is a simple, reliable Japanese motor, with an average resource of 300,000 km.
There are usually no problems with a manual transmission, a simple reliable "mechanics". The four-speed automatic transmission Jatco (Nissan) JF404E is also not particularly whimsical. The only thing that should be taken as prescribed is the obligatory oil change every 90,000 km along with the filter, and then the box can easily last 200,000 km.
Engines Ford Focus 2
Ford Focus has a much wider range of motors. The simplest engine for Ford Focus 2 in Russia is a 1.4-liter Duratec 16V Sigma (Zetec-SE) 80 hp. The motor is pretty hassle-free, but it also has drawbacks. In addition to the catastrophic lack of power, they occasionally wedge in one of the two positions of the thermostat, and then the motor either constantly overheats or, on the contrary, cannot warm up to operating temperature. Since there are no hydraulic lifters, valve adjustment is required every 100 thousand kilometers. Timing drive type - belt. Its replacement should be carried out every 160 thousand km.
Both Duratec Ti VCT 1.6 engines are 100 hp and 115 hp. have a similar architecture with a 1.4 liter engine. The indications for service are absolutely the same. All these three motors, according to the manufacturer, have a resource of 250 thousand km, but in fact they travel at least 100 thousand km more….
Ford 1.8 liter engine (Duratec-HE / MZR L8) with 125 horsepower. Unlike Duratec's smaller displacement, there is already a timing chain drive, which significantly increases reliability. But at the same time, the 1.8-liter engine has a congenital disease of floating idle speed. This motor is actually one of the most problematic in the Duratec lineup and better look at the next engine.
Ford 2.0 L Duratec HE / MZR LF 145 hp. The design is the same 1.8 liters, but with larger diameter cylinders (87.5 mm versus 83 mm). Compared to 1.8 liters, the two-liter sibling looks preferable from all sides: it is more elastic, more powerful, runs quieter, and the consumption is the same, plus it does not lack floating speed, as on the 1.8 version. All engines have the problem of the fragility of the camshaft oil seals. The thermostat often breaks down even up to 100 thousand km, and the engine does not heat up or, on the contrary, overheats. You also need to monitor the condition of the candle wells, if oil is found there, you need to tighten the valve cover or replace the gasket. If after 3000 rpm the car refuses to drive and the Check Engine lights up, then it's time to replace the intake manifold flap control valve. In addition, once every 150-160 thousand km, valve clearances need to be adjusted. Despite all these shortcomings, the motor manages the declared 250 thousand km without any problems, and continues to drive further, up to about 350 thousand km, after which everything depends on the resource of the aluminum block.
Manual transmissions do not have any pronounced problems, in fact, like automatic transmissions. Everything is maintainable, easy to maintain, and at the same time inexpensive.
Suspension Nissan Almera Classic and Ford Focus 2
Suspension Nissan Almera Classic is a classic layout for cars of this kind: McPherson front, rear torsion beam semi-independent. The suspension very well swallows our reality in the form of pits on the roadway and in view of its spaciousness of the structure it rarely breaks down prematurely, but in the event of a breakdown, it is repaired for a penny, and it runs the same amount, the main thing is not to save and buy original spare parts.
The Ford Focus Mk2 also has a McPherson front, but in all trim levels there is already a multi-link suspension at the back, and being the roots of a European car, it has a more precisely tuned chassis, and as a result - sharper handling.
To summarize: Nissan Almera Classic or Ford Focus 2
To summarize this entry, each car has its own pros and cons. For all the obvious advantages of Ford Focus in view of its greater equipment and manufacturability, Nissan can beat with a simple thing: a lower price. Due to the fact that the Nissan Almera Classic was initially cheaper as a new car, now such a car in 2012 with automatic transmission in the maximum configuration usually costs about 400,000 rubles. Ford Focus 2 for this money, in comparable trim levels, will be years older, and no matter how good the car it was from the beginning, who knows how it was driven all this time.
Well, and such an important point as the assembly. Ford was going to us in Vsevolozhsk, and Nissan in Korea, there he was called by the way
➖ Rigid suspension
➖ Quality of finishing materials
➖ Quality of body painting
pros
➕ Manageability
➕ Reliability
➕ Cost effective
The advantages and disadvantages of Nissan Almera Classic 2007-2008 are revealed based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Nissan Almera Classic 1.6 with mechanics and automatic transmission can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
A simple car, sat down and drove off, no problems! Easy to maintain, repair and operate. No special bells and whistles, just the essentials! The car is fully consistent with its price!
The car is relatively playful for acceleration, very reliable and durable suspension both front and rear. The engine and gearbox are excellent.
The iron of the body is like paper - a little touched and a dent! No paintwork! They simply regretted the varnish, so if there are scratches, then they can be polished a maximum of 1 time. The suspension is very stiff, and the interior trim leaves much to be desired - everywhere there is cheap plastic that is easily scratched. The car simply does not have noise insulation!
Vladimir, review of Nissan Almera Classic 1.6 mechanics 2008
Video review
For the entire period of operation, the car has shown itself to be very worthy. I bought it with mileage of 75 thousand km. Sold for 120 thousand km. The oil was changed every 10 thousand km. The car always started up in any frost and delivered it where necessary. I was never dragged in tow, and I did not get up in the middle of the road suddenly. On vacation I rode 4,000 km in one direction, also without incident.
Review of Nissan Almera Classic 1.6 (107 HP) MT 2007
I took it in the cabin, in 8 years I dashed off 415 thousand km. The entire suspension was changed in a circle by 2 times, but there were no serious breakdowns. Of course, the engine is weak and the interior is meager, but what do you want from a state employee? Now we need a new car, but it's a pity to part with a faithful friend.
Dmitry drives Almere Classic with 2008 mechanics
I bought Almeria in October 2009, a sub-dealer 110 km from home. I have a car for two years, mileage 93,000 km. No problem. Not a single breakdown. I go mainly long distance, from 400 km or more! The biggest 8,000 km in a week. Nothing knocks, does not rattle, very warm. The air conditioner works great!
I give a lot of load on the car, on the highway 140 km / h almost constantly. At this speed, the car feels the road perfectly. The 1.6 engine on overtaking, of course, is too small, but the manual transmission is still not an automatic, the trucks bypasses as standing.
I give such a load on the suspension that sometimes I feel guilty in front of it. I drove on such roads, I thought that there was and I will leave everything that is below the car! No! He still drives. Does not hold anything together, does not knock, does not make noise! I'm even surprised!
I keep the car on the street, it starts up perfectly in the cold! It was -30 and even -35, and for several days I did not go to the car, I thought the battery was over - no, everything is fine, it starts with a half-pipe!
At the beginning, the consumption was 8 liters per hundred on the highway, after about 20,000 km it came to the passport "norm" - 6.5 liters per 100 km. I was already scared, I thought that the fuel sensor had deteriorated. But this is if you drive 100 km / h, and if you drive 140 km / h, then about 7.5-8.0 liters per hundred.
The only thing that I do not like a little is the very low seating position of the car. Other cars of the same class will pass and will not be hit by the bottom, but Almera will certainly hit! The paint is still weak. Chips are visible, and quite solid ones. Although, of course, after my exploitation, it may be my fault.
Alexander, review about Nissan Almera Classic 1.6 manual transmission 2009 onwards
The overall impression is good. The machine impresses with its reliability and strength. I often travel around Russia, different regions and roads. There were both breakdowns and blows - so far everything holds. I regularly do maintenance at the dealer, they say that all the components and assemblies of the suspension are in order!
The car started quietly at -36 with a kick floor. The handling is good, even at 160 km / h. Consumption somewhere around 10-11 liters (depending on driving style). Good brakes. In general, it just works, and that's it!
Of the shortcomings, first of all, they finish off the door locks - the sound of closing is like a kick on a tin can !!! Quite tangible rolls in corners. Slightly harsh suspension.
Eric Azbaev, review of Nissan Almera 1.6 with automatic transmission in 2012
Interior and exterior. It makes no sense to write about the interior and exterior. Not enough: longitudinal adjustment of the steering column (height 186 cm, so here either bend your legs more or make your back straighter), no navigator light, no outside temperature sensor. Like: the seat, the instrument lighting (orange), the stove is good, it heats up perfectly.
It is immediately clear that much has been saved: there are no ceiling handles and ESP in the back (we drive 99% of the time together), there was no mirror on the visor (pasted by the collective farm), the trunk opens only from the passenger compartment, there is no BC. But there are heated seats, mirrors, wiper zones, air conditioning and ABS.
Exploitation. I left the car with summer tires, and across the road I changed my shoes to Goodyear Ultra Grip Extrime. This is how our great and long friendship began with Almera. The first three years of operation was on the highway, worked in the north of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, traveled often.
On the suspension: not a gourmet European handling. I think that it is a little tough, sometimes it hits the rebound, roll around the corners, but it suits me.
On an electrician: about once a year the bulb of the right low beam burns out, regardless of the brand of the bulbs themselves. Condensation has formed on the right-hand fog lamp.
The paintwork is weak, because of the high mileage on the highway, there are many chips, but there is no rust. Consumption on the highway is about 6.0-6.5 liters at an average maximum speed of 110 km / h. In the city about 10.5 liters. Gasoline 95th, strictly Lukoil or BN.
As a result ... We are with her for the seventh year, drove 105 thousand kilometers. And she gave me everything that was required of her. It does not cause problems, unforeseen expenses, it is moderately economical, moderately comfortable, but it has everything you need. She has a reliable engine, with her I am always sure that you will get where you planned, you will not freeze, you will not cook.
The owner drives a Nissan Almera Classic 1.6 (107 hp) MT 2011
If you are looking for a reliable budget car, then you probably paid attention to the classic sedan Nissan Almera Classic, which is widely represented in both the primary and secondary automotive markets in Russia. An inexpensive car, assembled in Korea, has a lot in common with the Almera sedan (N16). Even though the model is of the "budget" class, the quality of the interior trim and its overall dimensions do not cause any particular complaints: there is enough space, good visibility; so that even large passengers will feel comfortable. The rear seats are not transformable, but at the same time the trunk of the car is one of the most spacious in the category of budget cars. Noise isolation is mediocre, however, in many more expensive cars this indicator is not fundamentally different.
Corrosion resistant
The body of the model is distinguished by a pronounced individuality, while the fact that its paintwork is sufficiently resistant to corrosion is encouraging (the only weak points can be considered protective moldings on the side surfaces of the body).
Possible nuances
Of course, the car also has weak points - for example, brake discs, which after the 50,000 km mark may require urgent replacement, or ABS sensors, which often fail. Also (if we talk about "running"), the shock absorbers anthers deserve fair criticism - they are not too durable, they tend to become covered with cracks.
Suspension features
However, in itself, the "chassis" pleases with its reliability: with proper operation, it is quite capable of serving for a long time and trouble-free. For example, front suspension consumables (such as bearings and ball joints) can “stretch” up to 100,000 km. By the way, it should be noted separately the energy intensity of the rear semi-independent suspension, which easily withstands "problem" sections of the road. But sharp maneuvers on this car is still not worth it: the absence of an anti-roll bar makes the car unpleasantly roll when cornering. But for a measured ride, this car is perfect. The front suspension, like its counterpart on the predecessor model, is independent.
Features of the only engine available
As for the engines, buyers have little choice: all Nissan Almera Classic cars were equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (similar to the Nissan Primera engine). All the shortcomings that were identified during the operation of the Nissan Primera model were successfully eliminated, so the Nissan Almera Classic engine does not "please" the owner with problems with a short-lived catalyst, quickly failing crankshaft and camshaft sensors, as well as a "weak" timing chain. But there are also disadvantages, which include increased oil consumption (this disadvantage is usually due to a factory defect and is found quite often in the Nissan Almera Classic). In the event of such a problem, it will be eliminated by authorized dealers under warranty, free of charge. Another common problem is the unexpected turning on of the cooling fan, which starts to work in a constant mode. The reason often lies in the breaking of the electrical wiring for connecting the power steering pressure sensor (common to both nodes). The engine also loves to "eat": the average fuel consumption when driving around the city (with a manual transmission) is 9.5 liters per 100 km (according to the manufacturer's data).
Transmissions
Nissan Almera Classic is presented in versions with both manual and automatic transmissions, and on the Russian market the ratio of copies with “mechanics” and “automatic” is approximately 1: 1. Both options are quite reliable; maintenance is reduced to regular oil changes (every 90,000 km in the manual transmission, every 60,000 km in the automatic transmission). The only possible source of trouble can be the clutch, or rather, the insufficiently reliable master cylinder of the hydraulic drive. The solution is to replace the cylinder assembly. Also, the return spring of the clutch pedal does not differ in reliability. With an automatic transmission, a car on average spends almost 1 liter more per 100 km of track, while the dynamics of acceleration to 100 km decreases from 12.1 seconds for a “mechanic” to 13.9 seconds for an “automatic”.
In general, despite the small flaws and weaknesses, the Almera Classic can be called a good, durable car, offered at a fairly modest price. Based on the Nissan Primera and other older models of this brand, the Almera Classic is considered an affordable and decent model, but its maintenance can be expensive, so when buying a car in the aftermarket, you should not spare money for diagnostics. The car is ideal for those who prefer a measured and not too fast driving.
Dynamics
| 1.6 AT | 177 | 13.9 | - |
| 1.6 MT | 184 | 12.1 | - |
Fuel consumption
| 1.6 AT | 10.4 | 6 | 7.6 | - | Petrol |
| 1.6 MT | 9.2 | 5.3 | 6.8 | - | Petrol |
Price
The cost of the new Almera Classic with a manual transmission starts at 487,000 rubles and, depending on the configuration, can go up to 583,000 rubles. With an automatic transmission, prices start at 563,000 rubles. The cost of copies of the first years of release starts at 270,000 rubles.
The system does not cause much trouble, but, nevertheless, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will need to solder the relay, some control and switching units. In general, relay and fuse blocks sometimes live their own lives, sometimes you have to "juggle" relays and fuses in search of problems. But this is already after five to six years of operation. The rest of the simple system does not cause serious difficulties.
The most serious problems are a faulty immobilizer, glitches in the car's electric fans, and malfunctions of the ABS electronics. Minor troubles with the pressure sensor of the air conditioning system and the pressure in the power steering were solved after 2008. Almost all of them are well mastered in repair and will not cause trouble when contacting a specialized service. The immobilizer usually requires a power reset, and in case of a frequent repetition of the error, an antenna replacement. Fans suffer from broken wiring, and the ABS unit - from internal soldering and broken sensor wires at the bend in the wiring.
In the photo: Nissan Almera Classic "2006-12
The generator resource is usually at least 150 thousand kilometers, only when operating in northern and especially dusty regions, problems occur more often. Yes, and usually everything is inexpensive to repair. The resource of the generator belt may not be too large: after 50 thousand kilometers it is recommended to check it for cracks, and by a hundred thousand it will be necessary to replace it. But replacement is inexpensive, so this is hardly a serious drawback.
The light relay at the driver's feet can be short, as a result - the smell of burning in the cabin and malfunctions of the engine ECU. The problem is typical, and if the car is older than 2008, then it will almost certainly need a replacement. The loaded electrical connectors are not particularly durable: the wiring of the headlights, foglights and rear window heating suffers from this. It is worth checking them at every MOT and, of course, at the time of purchase.
The trunk lid wiring is surprisingly vulnerable, and failures are frequent, usually broken wires inside the corrugation. On cars with a rare option for heating the parking zone of the wipers, the system control unit may fail - it turns on the heating at full strength, and the glass may crack and the heating threads may burn out. Basically, the problems are minor, not affecting the capabilities of the machine, but, nevertheless, they reduce the feeling of quality.
Brakes, suspension and steering
The brakes are quite reliable, but the original parts do not have a good resource. The front wheel pads can only go 20-30 thousand kilometers before being replaced. With the rear drums it is a little easier: the life of the pads is at least 50-60 thousand, and the drums last twice as long. Hoses and tubes are not a hassle, but the ABS system sometimes fails - do not rush to repair the unit itself, often the reason is in one of the sensors or even the wiring connector. And power failures cause the system to malfunction - repair the generator if it does not produce a stable voltage.
The suspension is simple, but still a lot of hassle. Firstly, the front and rear levers are supposed to be changed only as a whole. Repairs are possible, but original components will not be available. The supports of the front struts do not come out more than a hundred thousand, and on primers their resource is even less. And the most painful place is the shock absorbers. They are prone to leaks, after which the already poor handling of the car becomes simply dangerous.
Front lower arm
price for original
5 423 rubles
The car does not have an anti-roll bar, although the related Samsung SM3 does, and the part can be supplied. The parts are inexpensive, and the front levers can be supplied from a "European" car, for which many analogues are produced. Nevertheless, the suspension will always require attention, and with regular trips with a full load, the resource of the rear shock absorbers decreases to a ridiculous 15 thousand kilometers: they will flow literally after every MOT. But the problem can be solved - it is enough to supply parts produced by Kayaba or SACHS once. Both comfort and reliability will increase: this is exactly the case when the original parts came across very unsuccessful.
The steering fails mainly with runs for one and a half hundred thousand. The main risks are associated with the weak anthers of the rack and the low resource of the power steering pump. The pump begins to hum and drive the chips into the rail, after which its cuffs fail. Well, damage to the anthers leads to corrosion of the rail and the rapid appearance of knocks. Let me remind you that the steering column and its joints are responsible for part of the backlash.
Transmission
In fact, the car has no special problems with the body, interior, electrics, suspension and brakes. Everything is done very budgetary, simple, but very reliable. Yes, it breaks down, but not expensive. But with the manual transmission, surprises are possible.
Most Almera owners consider the box to be an "eternal" unit and are very surprised when ... There were even rumors that the problem was an insufficient oil level in the manual transmission, but the essence of the breakdowns usually speaks of something else: cheap bearings and poor material of synchronizers and couplings are poorly adapted to our traffic jams and frequent violations of the speed limit.
A typical repair is actually replacing the bearings of both shafts, replacing the second-third gear synchronizers and replacing the fourth and fifth couplings. In addition to this criticism is caused by the operation of the gear shifting mechanism: it does not differ from the conveyor with the accuracy of its work, and after hundreds of thousands of runs, the owner can feel what the driver of Ikarus experienced, sticking the gears "by touch."
Fans of "mechanics" are haunted by problems with the clutch master cylinder, the design of which is not very successful. It leaks, so when buying, carefully inspect the vacuum amplifier, and if there are leaks, count on a replacement. The part lends itself poorly to repair: not only the replacement of the seals will be required, but also the refinement of the metal surfaces.
Oddly enough, automatic transmission is more reliable than "mechanics". The Almera Classic was fitted with the proven RE4F03A series box. This chetyrehstupka traces its "pedigree" even from fully hydraulic automatic transmissions and is mechanically distinguished by excellent reliability. Of course, the floating blocking of the gas turbine engine significantly reduces the oil resource during active movement and causes early contamination of the valve body, and the operating temperature is too high, but these are solvable difficulties.
The box is able to travel 250-350 thousand kilometers before the first repairs and has a good margin of safety. The main malfunctions are associated with the resource of the valve body solenoids and cases of oil loss and overheating. Perhaps, with runs of the order of 150-200 thousand, it will be necessary to replace the oil seal of the gas turbine engine and change the linings for its blocking, if the degree of oil contamination increases rapidly and there are leaks. With very high mileage - over 500 thousand - typically resource troubles with the pump bushings and the rear planetary gear set are possible.
Motor
The only engine on the Nissan Almera Classic is extremely good. In general, the entire series of QG motors is distinguished by a successful design, but it is the QG16DE in the family that can be called the best. The design is simple and unpretentious, as befits a mass motor. Cast iron block of cylinders, reliable piston group, timing chain drive, absence of hydraulic compensators, direct drive of the oil pump, simple and reliable injection system and a collector.
Timing chain kit
price for non-original
7 260 rubles
Actually, only the collector and the timing chain drive the motor. The catalysts are too delicate, and they also really do not like long winter starts and cold weather. After five years of operation, the catalyst filler already begins to "play", and the catalyst crumbles a little. The crumb can get into the piston group, causing sharp wear on the cylinders, rings and valves. It is highly recommended to either replace the catalyst with a new one, or simply remove it. You can just put the usual manifold from the Euro-3 version of the engine and the exhaust with the lower catalyst from the older Almera.
A bad start, especially in winter, has a lot to do with a stretched timing chain. Its resource fluctuates in a very wide range: old motors usually ran up to 150-200 thousand kilometers without replacement, and on machines of recent years of production, there are often cases of stretching after 70 thousand.
In the photo: Nissan Almera Classic "2006-12 Some more troubles are delivered by DPRV and DPKV, the resource of these sensors is usually less than 150 thousand. The resource of the mass air flow sensor is slightly higher, and the gradual drop in throttle response is poorly felt, and complete failure is a rarity, but again, it affects the resource of the catalyst. The throttle position sensor is a consumable, it sometimes fails before hundreds of thousands of mileage. Surprises with ECU software are almost always cured: hardly anyone put up with a bad start for more than 10 years. Well, sensitivity to contamination of the throttle valve is a common problem for many engines, it just manifests itself in a deterioration in starting, and not only in floating idle speed.
Summary
Nissan / Samsung chose a rather successful way to make a big car cheap: a simple interior, fewer trim levels, and relatively inexpensive suspension, wiring, and interior fittings. In addition, a reliable engine with automatic transmission and a body that does not corrode, despite obvious flaws in its design.
In the photo: Nissan Almera Classic "2006-12 However, by modern standards, the car looks outdated, it does not have a very reliable suspension and mediocre handling. And passive safety is not at the modern level, and in the basic configuration there is not even a passenger airbag.
Among the undoubted advantages are large dimensions, but practice shows that most B ++ class cars are slightly inferior in internal volumes, and at the same time are more modern and more economical. Plus, at the same price, they are corny newer. True, the entry threshold is also higher: after all, , and a Hyundai / Kia couple appeared only in 2009.
In general, there is something to think about!
Would you take a Nissan Almera Classic?
We will tell you how to choose a used Nissan Almera Classic sedan, what you should prepare for when inspecting such a car, and what surprises it can present after purchase.
The Nissan Almera Classic, which appeared in our country a little more than 10 years ago, nicknamed by the first letters NAC or "NAK", can be safely ranked among the most famous "golf-class" foreign cars in Russia of the mid-2000s.
At that time, the gradually losing popularity of models in this segment began to be replaced by compact and cheap class B + sedans. Such as Renault Logan and Volkswagen Polo Sedan.
A simple, inexpensive and solid-looking four-door of a well-known Japanese brand for several years became one of its bestsellers in our country, diverging in the best years with a circulation of almost 28 thousand units, and in the worst, crisis years - just over 8 thousand cars. For its unpretentiousness, reliability, solid appearance for a state employee, as well as for a low price, the model is in demand to this day - in the secondary market.
Background
The C-class sedan, known in our country under the name Nissan Almera Classic, was born 4 years before entering the Russian market. Then, in 2002, it was called Samsung SM3 and was produced at a plant in Busan (South Korea). This budget four-door was a product of the Korean company Renault Samsung Motors, a member of the Renault-Nissan alliance. The Koreans took the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy G10 / N16 sedan as the basis for the SM3.
This model, sold in Asia and the Middle East, as well as Mexico and Egypt, among other things, had many other names. For example, Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala. The sedan received the name Almera Classic only for the markets of Russia and Ukraine, when, after restyling, it came out on them at the end of April 2006. Such cars, imported from South Korea, were sold here until the end of 2012, after which the model changed a generation.
"Resale"
The budget Nissan Almera Classic was delivered to us with the only uncontested sedan body type, only with front-wheel drive, with one naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol engine and a pair of gearboxes. Therefore, the choice of used options in the secondary market is now limited only by the year of manufacture of the car, body color and type of gearbox, of which two-thirds of the cars (68%) are mechanical, offered for cheaper configurations, and only a third are automatic (32%) ...
Body
The body metal of the Almera Classic is quite thin, but it does not badly resist corrosion, at least if it has the original paintwork. But, unfortunately, it is vulnerable to shelling of pebbles from under the wheels of neighbors along the stream. Quite often, owners of "Almer" Classic find chips of paintwork on their cars on the roof, its front pillars, hood and trunk lid. If these shortcomings are eliminated in a timely manner, then serious problems can be avoided.
There is a possibility of paint swelling and the appearance of local foci of "red plague" on the rear wheel arches. Corrosion on them can also occur from the inside due to the loss of elasticity of the anti-corrosion protection of the metal in the wheel arches. Also, traces of rust can be found on the leashes of wipers and rear door window guides. However, their corrosion does not threaten the car with anything serious. But the plastic of the headlights, which is very cloudy and worn out over time, at 3,500 rubles each - a blow to normal visibility in the dark.
Cracked bumpers may well become a reason for bargaining - from 8,700 rubles for the front and from 8,500 rubles for the rear. Their plastic is quite fragile and can be easily damaged even with light contacts. For example, with a snowdrift. If the examined Almera Classic does not have enough protective moldings on the doors, then ask the seller for a discount of 2,100 rubles each. And at the same time, make sure that the chrome has not peeled off on the Nissan logos, as well as on the upper and lower crossbars of the radiator grill worth 4,800 rubles.
Engines
Installed on the Almera Classic, the 107-horsepower in-line petrol "four" 1.6 QG16DE with a cast iron block is one of the most problem-free Nissan QG engines. The timing belt is driven by a fairly reliable chain, the resource of which is about 150,000 km, although there are cases of its stretching and replacement both on runs less than 100,000 km and over 200,000 km. "Atmospheric" with a simple design without hydraulic lifters periodically requires adjustment of valve clearances, which will be prompted by a characteristic metallic knock when the engine is running.
No big problems with this motor have been identified. Many of his ailments are associated with stretching the chain worth 4,800 rubles, which asks for replacement, making noise while the engine is running and preventing it from starting normally. The reasons for the traction failures and floating idle in the Almera Classic are also to be found in the wear of the timing chain. And the "four" can start badly due to the throttle valve requiring cleaning or a clogged fuel pump grid. Or maybe because of the wear and tear of the latter. The new one will cost 10,000 rubles.
The whistle that grows with the engine speed will tell you about the need to change the generator belt roller for 1960 rubles, or maybe with it the belt itself, which costs from 800 rubles, if it is badly worn out. The sedan catalyst worth 11,000 rubles is not eternal either. It will have to be changed about once every 5 years or earlier if a specific noise and rumble appears in the exhaust system from the crumbling parts of the "filling" of the catalytic converter. However, many simply remove this element in order to forget about the problem once and for all.
Checkpoint
Nissan Almera Classic was sold with us with two types of gearboxes: 5-speed manual and 4-band automatic Jatco RE4F03A. The second is an example of durability and reliability. Its various versions and modifications at different times were installed on dozens of "Nissan" mono-drive models from "Mikra" to "Teana". And a couple more Infiniti and Samsung models. With a timely oil change, periodic cleaning of the radiator from dirt and operation without racing from traffic lights, this machine can travel up to 250,000 and even up to 350,000 km. But the MCP cannot boast of such vitality.
Most often, her health is undermined by the bearings of the primary and secondary shafts, which work out on average 100,000 km, at 1,300 rubles each. The need to replace them will be indicated by the increased hum of the transmission while driving. And it is not worth delaying the repair, so that later you do not have to change the broken shafts of the manual gearbox from 13,500 rubles. Approximately the same 100,000 km as the bearings, the clutch serves for 6,100 rubles. And with age, worn out couplings and gear synchronizers from 2,500 rubles may be asked to exit, reporting this with a crunch and fuzzy switching of steps. If the clutch master cylinder leaks, which sometimes happens with the Almera Classic, then prepare 2550 rubles for a new one.
Rest
In terms of suspension, a budget Japanese sedan will not cause much trouble, unless it worked in a taxi, where it wound hundreds of thousands of kilometers on the wheels. And if it was not periodically overloaded. A thrifty owner has front levers for 8,000 rubles, wheel bearings for 900 rubles, front struts for 1,500 rubles and shock absorbers for 4,400 rubles may well go up to 100,000 km. And the rear hubs for 5600 rubles and the beam lever - all 150,000 km. If the car was worn out, carrying a full passenger compartment or boxes and boxes of fruit, then the shock absorbers may not be enough for 50,000 km.
The front disc brake pads last a little longer for 2,700 rubles, and the discs themselves for 3,600 rubles take care of about 90,000 km. Rear drum brakes are much more tenacious and can last more than 100,000 km before replacement. An electrician will give some trouble to the owner of a used Almera Classic. True, all of them, most often, are non-critical and are inexpensively eliminated. For example, melting of contacts of loaded connectors of dipped-beam lamps in headlights and wiring breaking in places of bends. Due to breaks in the wiring of the cooling fan sensors, the latter begin to work constantly. Therefore, when inspecting the car you like, check if all the electrics are in good working order.
How much?
Since the Almera Classic has been on sale with us for quite a long time - about 7 years - the range of prices for this model in the secondary market is also decent. And since the sedan was initially relatively inexpensive, now its early copies can be bought very cheaply: from 170,000 to 190,000 rubles. They ask so much for the first simple machines of 2006 with mechanics with a mileage of more than 200,000 km brought to us from Korea. For those with a gun, their owners want at least 210,000 rubles. And the freshest cars of 2012 are estimated at 450,000 rubles.
Our choice
In general, the Nissan Almera Classic is an example of an affordable and reliable car that can serve its owner faithfully for many years. Someone, perhaps, will not pay attention to this sedan because of the unprepossessing and rustic appearance. But for those who value reliability and unpretentiousness in cars, assigning secondary roles to showiness and beauty, this "Japanese" of the Korean assembly will fully suit. We at Am.ru believe that it is best to choose a used Almera Classic with a reliable automatic and no older than 2008, before which Nissan eliminated most of the model's shortcomings. Such a car with one owner in the TCP and a mileage of up to 100,000 km is quite possible to find up to 350,000 rubles.
