Nissan Almera 1999 - one of the most popular foreign cars on the secondary market in Russia and the CIS. This compact model, released as part of the first generation (N15), won the love of car enthusiasts due to its reliability, unpretentiousness and affordable price. However, like any car with more than 20 years of history, Almera 1999 has its own characteristics, which are important to consider before purchasing.
In this article we will analyze the technical characteristics, typical problems, maintenance nuances and give practical advice on choosing a used unit. We will pay special attention to engines, transmissions, bodywork and electrical equipment - those components that most often become a headache for owners.
Specifications Nissan Almera 1999
The 1999 model belongs to the first generation Almera (body N15), which was produced from 1995 to 2000. The car was offered in several modifications, differing in body types, engines and trim levels.
Main technical parameters:
- 🚗 Body types: sedan (4-door), hatchback (3-door and 5-door).
- 🔧 Engines: gasoline
GA14DE(1.4 l, 87 hp),GA16DE(1.6 l, 99–109 hp), dieselCD20T(2.0 l, 75 hp) - a rarity in our market. - ⚙️ Gearboxes: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.
- 📏 Dimensions (sedan): 4445x1660x1390 mm, wheelbase - 2535 mm.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: from 6.5 l/100 km (1.4 manual transmission) to 9.8 l/100 km (1.6 automatic transmission in the city).
The most common version on the secondary market is a sedan with a motor GA16DE (1.6 l) and manual transmission. Automatic transmissions are less common and require special attention when purchasing.
- 1.4 l (GA14DE)
- 1.6 l (GA16DE)
- 2.0 l diesel (CD20T)
- I don't know
- Other
Engines: reliability, service life and typical problems
Gasoline engines series GA are known for their simplicity and maintainability, but each of them has its own “diseases”. Let's take a closer look at them.
1.4 l (GA14DE)
This engine is considered one of the most reliable in the line, but has two weaknesses:
- 🔥 Overheat: Often the culprit is a thermostat or a faulty cooling fan. If you ignore the problem, the cylinder head may move.
- 🛢️ Oily appetite: after 200 thousand km, the engine begins to “eat up” oil (up to 500 ml per 1000 km). The solution is to replace the valve stem seals.
1.6 l (GA16DE)
A more powerful and common option, but with a number of nuances:
- 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators: appears when using low-quality oil or not replacing it in a timely manner. Eliminated by washing or replacing compensators.
- ⚡ Ignition problems: Coils and high-voltage wires often fail, especially when the mileage exceeds 250 thousand km.
- 🔧 Triple: may be caused by a malfunction of the injectors or air leaks through the intake manifold gasket.
Critical feature: GA16DE engines produced before 2000 are prone to timing belt breakage after driving over 100 thousand km. The consequences are bending of the valves and major repairs. It is recommended to check the condition of the belt every 60–80 thousand km.
| Engine | Resource (thousand km) | Main problems | Cost of overhaul (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
GA14DE (1.4 l) |
300–350 | Overheating, oil burner | 80–120 thousand rubles. |
GA16DE (1.6 l) |
250–300 | Hydraulic compensators, timing belt, tripling | 100–150 thousand rubles. |
CD20T (2.0 l diesel) |
400+ | Problems with fuel injection pump, particulate filter | 150–200 thousand rubles. |
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Almera with mileage over 200 thousand km, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. Norm for GA16DE - not lower than 11–12 bar. If at least one cylinder has a value below 10 bar, the engine requires repair.
Transmission: Manual vs Automatic
Manual transmission on Almera 1999 is famous for its survivability. With careful operation and timely oil changes (every 60–80 thousand km), it can easily last 300–400 thousand km. Main problems:
- 🔗 Clutch wear: with a mileage of 150 thousand km, replacement of the disk and basket is often required (cost - 15-25 thousand rubles).
- 🔊 Crunch when switching: Usually the 2nd or 3rd gear synchronizers are to blame. The solution is to repair or replace the box.
Automatic transmission (RE4F03A) is a more capricious knot. Typical faults:
- 🛑 Jerks when switching: often associated with wear of clutches or solenoids. Diagnostics and repair are required (from 30 thousand rubles).
- 🔥 Overheat: Automatic transmission is afraid of towing and long traffic jams. It is mandatory to change the oil every 50–60 thousand km!
- 🚨 Torque converter failure: with a mileage of over 200 thousand km, replacement may be required (cost - 40-60 thousand rubles).
Test drive cold and hot (jerks, delays)
Checking the oil level and condition (color, burning smell)
Error diagnosis via OBD-II
Condition of the automatic transmission cooling radiator
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⚠️ Attention: If upon examination Almera with an automatic transmission, you find that the oil in the automatic transmission is black or smells of burning, it is better to refuse the purchase. Repairing such a box will cost 80–150 thousand rubles.
Body and interior: rust and wear
Body Nissan Almera 1999 does not have high corrosion resistance. Main areas of rust:
- 🚘 Thresholds and arches: They are one of the first to rot, especially if the car was operated in winter conditions.
- 🔩 Trunk lid: It often rusts along the bottom edge and where the seal is attached.
- 🚪 Doors: Corrosion appears from below and around the glass.
- 🔧 Suspension: levers and silent blocks are subject to rust, which impairs controllability.
Salon Almera made of inexpensive materials, which by 2026 often become unusable:
- 🪑 Seats: The fabric upholstery wears out, the springs sag.
- 🎛️ Instrument panel: The plastic cracks, the backlight burns out.
- 🔊 Audio system: The standard radio often breaks down and the speakers wheeze.
How to check a body for hidden rust?
Use a magnetic thickness gauge to detect putty.
Pay attention to chips and blisters of paint - corrosion is often hidden under them.
Check the condition of the drainage holes in doors and thresholds (they should be clean).
If the seller refuses to show the car on a lift, this is a reason to be wary.
The cost of body repairs can vary from 20 thousand rubles. (local painting) up to 100+ thousand rubles. (complete replacement of thresholds and arches). When purchasing, pay attention to traces of fresh paint - they can hide serious problems.
Electrical equipment: weak points
Electrics Nissan Almera 1999 is not very reliable. Most often, owners encounter the following problems:
- 🔋 Generator: fails after 150–200 thousand km. Symptoms: dim headlights, low battery.
- 💡 Fuse box: contacts oxidize, which leads to unstable operation of devices.
- 🚗 Sensors: Most often, the speed sensor, throttle position sensor and lambda probe break down.
- 🔑 Immobilizer: may block the engine from starting due to a malfunction in the key chip.
Particular attention should be paid wiring. Over time, the insulation dries out and cracks, leading to short circuits. Most often, the harnesses under the hood and in the doorways are affected.
If, when you turn on the ignition, the ABS light on the dashboard comes on, but the brakes work normally, most likely the problem is in the speed sensor or connectors. Do not ignore this signal: faulty ABS can fail in an emergency.
Service and spare parts: what you need to know
Nissan Almera The 1999 is a car with a simple design, so most maintenance work can be done independently. However, there are nuances:
Maintenance schedule
- 🔧 Changing engine oil: every 10 thousand km (semi-synthetic 10W-40).
- 🔥 Coolant: replacement every 2 years or 60 thousand km.
- ⚙️ Brake fluid: once every 2 years.
- 🛞 Ball joints and silent blocks: check every 30 thousand km.
Cost of spare parts
Most parts for Almera N15 available and inexpensive:
- 🔋 Battery: 5–8 thousand rubles.
- 🔗 Timing belt (set): 3–5 thousand rubles.
- 🛑 Brake pads (front): 1.5–3 thousand rubles.
- 🚗 Stabilizer links: 1–2 thousand rubles. for a couple.
However, some nodes can be expensive. For example, an original heater radiator costs 10–15 thousand rubles, and a used automatic transmission in good condition costs from 50 thousand rubles.
When purchasing spare parts for a 1999 Almera, always check the vehicle's VIN code. Parts for pre- and post-2000 models may not fit due to design changes.
How much does it cost Nissan Almera 1999 to 2026?
The price on the secondary market depends on the condition of the car, mileage and region. Average prices:
- 🚗 In poor condition (rust, engine problems): 50–100 thousand rubles.
- 🚗 In satisfactory condition (requires minor repairs): 120–180 thousand rubles.
- 🚗 In good condition (well-maintained copy): 200–280 thousand rubles.
- 🚗 Restored or collectible pieces: 300+ thousand rubles.
When purchasing, pay attention to the following points:
- 📄 Documents: check ownership history, accidents, restrictions.
- 🔧 Service book: if it is preserved, this is a big plus.
- 🚗 Mileage: real mileage Almera 1999 rarely exceeds 300 thousand km. If the odometer shows less than 100 thousand km, it is most likely twisted.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install LPG on a 1999 Nissan Almera?
Yes, but with reservations. Engines GA14DE And GA16DE compatible with 4th generation gas equipment. However:
- 🔧 It will be necessary to reconfigure the ignition and install a UOZ variator.
- 💰 Installation cost - 30-50 thousand rubles.
- ⚠️ On engines with mileage over 200 thousand km, HBO will accelerate valve wear.
What kind of gasoline should I fill in Almera 1999?
Manufacturer recommends AI-92, but it's better to use AI-95. Reasons:
- 🔥 95th gasoline has the best cleaning properties.
- 🚗 The risk of detonation is reduced, especially on used engines.
- 💰 The price difference between 92 and 95 is minimal.
Using 98-octane gasoline is not advisable - there will be no increase in power, and costs will increase.
Is it worth buying a 1999 Almera with 300+ thousand km mileage?
Only if:
- 🔧 The engine and gearbox recently underwent a major overhaul (receipts available).
- 🚗 The body is in good condition (no rust through).
- 💰 Are you ready to invest another 50-100 thousand rubles. in the next 1–2 years for maintenance.
Otherwise, it is better to consider copies with mileage up to 200 thousand km.
What kind of oil should I put in the GA16DE engine?
Recommendations:
- 🛢️ Viscosity: 10W-40 (universal option) or 5W-40 (for cold regions).
- 🔧 Type: semi-synthetic or synthetic (for example, Mobil Super 3000, Liqui Moly Optimal).
- 🚗 Volume: 3.2 l (with filter replacement).
Do not use mineral oil - it will accelerate engine wear.
How to distinguish the original Almera from the one “repainted” after an accident?
Signs of body repair:
- 🔍 Uneven gaps between body panels.
- 🎨 Different shades of paint on different parts (especially noticeable in bright light).
- 🔧 Traces of welding or putty in the trunk, under the hood, on the doorsteps.
- 📄 Checking history by VIN through services like Autocode or CarVertical.