2004 Nissan Almera petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan Almera petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan Almera petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Nissan Almera

  14.6% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.1% of all 2004 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Nissan Almera

  13.4% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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.

• Track rod ends1.7× usual
  Nissan Almera

  11% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Airbag warning light3.3× usual
  Nissan Almera

  5.6% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Nissan Almera petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Nissan Almera petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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 an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Nissan Almera petrol

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× as often on the 2004 Nissan Almera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Nissan Almera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Nissan Almera petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?