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Nissan Almera Used Car Review — Value Family Sedan

· Roda Editorial · Updated

nissan almerasedanreview

The Nissan Almera is a B-segment sedan sold in Malaysia by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM). Two quite different generations are on the used market: an older model with a 1.5-litre engine and a conventional automatic, and the current model with a 1.0-litre turbo and a CVT. This review covers both, Nissan's warranty terms, the running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Generations at a glance

Based on paultan.org's model history and Nissan Malaysia's model page:

  • N17 (October 2012): the earlier Almera, facelifted in 2015.
  • N18 (2020 to present): the current Almera.

Engines and gearboxes

  • N17: a 1.5-litre petrol engine (HR15DE) with a four-speed automatic, according to paultan.org's specifications.
  • N18: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo (999 cc) rated at 100 PS and 152 Nm, with Nissan's X-Tronic CVT, according to Nissan Malaysia's specifications.

The two drive differently. The N17's four-speed automatic is a conventional, simple gearbox. The N18's small turbo with a CVT gives more pulling power at low engine speeds and has more modern equipment.

Road tax

Road tax for a privately owned petrol saloon in Peninsular Malaysia is based on engine capacity. Under JPJ's rate guide:

  • N18 (999 cc): the lowest band, RM20 a year.
  • N17 (1.5-litre, up to 1,600 cc): RM90 a year.

Rates differ in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. See road tax renewal online.

Space and comfort

Both generations are B-segment sedans aimed at families. If rear legroom and boot space matter to you, sit in the back and check the boot with your usual luggage or a pram before you buy.

Warranty

As of October 2026, Nissan Malaysia's Almera page mentions five free maintenance services within a 5-year warranty. Nissan's warranty page refers owners to the Warranty Information and Maintenance Booklet for full terms, and says maintenance must follow the preventive maintenance schedule at Nissan service centres or authorised dealers.

Nissan's pages do not state the mileage limit or whether the warranty transfers to the next owner. If a used N18 may still be under warranty, ask a Nissan authorised service centre in writing, and ask for the service history.

Service and campaigns

Nissan Malaysia publishes service schedules and pricing by model on its website, and has an online service booking system and a service campaign check. Use the service campaign check, or ask a Nissan service centre with the chassis number, to see whether any campaign work is outstanding.

What to check on a used Almera

Paperwork

  1. The name on the registration record matches the seller's IC.
  2. The chassis and engine numbers match the record.
  3. Any loan will be settled at transfer.
  4. No outstanding summonses or blacklist.

N17 (1.5-litre, four-speed automatic)

  • Check that gear changes are smooth when the gearbox is warm, without slipping or harsh shifts.
  • Older cars may need suspension bushes, engine mounts and the air-conditioning system checked. Listen for knocks over bumps and feel for vibration at idle.
  • Look for rust under the car and in the boot.

N18 (1.0 turbo, CVT)

  • Pull away gently and firmly. The CVT should be smooth, without judder or whining.
  • Accelerate firmly in a safe place; power should build smoothly with no warning lights.
  • Check that oil changes followed the schedule, with the oil specification Nissan lists. Small turbo engines need regular oil changes.
  • Test the driver assistance features and cameras fitted to that variant.

Both

  • Some have been used for e-hailing or in fleets. Check the mileage against the age and the wear on the driver's seat and steering wheel.
  • Look for repainted panels and uneven gaps.
  • Test the air-conditioning in traffic for at least fifteen minutes.
  • Look for silt or water marks under the carpets and in the boot.

Inspection and transfer

Book an independent inspection before you pay the balance, and complete the MV15 inspection for the transfer. See our PUSPAKOM inspection guide and JPJ ownership transfer guide.

Compare

Compare the Almera with the Toyota Vios and Honda City and, for a lower budget, the Proton Saga and Perodua Bezza.

Browse used Nissan Almera ads on Roda.

Sources

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