Nissan Almera (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,079 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1769cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1769cc24 years old3,079 tests90k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1769cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

70% of MOT tests on Nissan Almeras from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 3,079 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,690 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models263rd of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models527th of 635(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs Nissan average-11%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

89,690

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Nissan Almera had 89,690 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 74%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2002 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Almera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	74%	38	90,884 mi
2006	71%	2,385	89,108 mi
2005	70%	8,384	90,067 mi
2004	72%	6,538	90,881 mi
2003	71%	3,658	89,195 mi
2002	70%	3,079	89,690 mi
2001	73%	1,243	85,049 mi
2000	71%	495	78,751 mi
1999	66%	545	77,991 mi
1998	74%	459	83,348 mi
1997	64%	325	96,599 mi
1996	59%	174	93,557 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+1%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-1%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+1%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-3%

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About the 2002 Nissan Almera

The 2002 Nissan Almera is a family car. Our records list a 1769cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,079 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 89,690 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Almera owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Nissan Almera Fuel Costs

The 1769cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 Nissan Almera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Almera Reliability Trend

Newer Nissan Almeras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Almera

At 24 years old, the Nissan Almera is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.

What the 2002 Nissan Almera Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 558 MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Almera that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics55%
Same age: 49%
Suspension29%
Same age: 37% (fails on this less often)
Brakes27%
Same age: 31%
Body, chassis and structure24%
Same age: 23%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Nissan Almera reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 90k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2002 Nissan Almera stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Almera(2002)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£158

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2002 Nissan Almera

Is the 2002 Nissan Almera reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2002 Nissan Almeras ended in a pass, from 3,079 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Nissan Almera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Nissan Almera?

70% of 3,079 MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Almera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 263rd of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Almera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan Almera has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 1996 the lowest at 59%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Nissan Almera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Nissan Almera is 89,690 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.