IF you want reliability in a medium car, you can't go far wrong with Nissan's Almera as long as you don't mind its lowly image.
The hatch, saloon and Tino midi-MPV were produced until 2006 but the company decided to drop a medium model from its range here after that, even though it does sell one in other countries.
These are good all-rounders that have more UK content than most Fords or Vauxhalls with either 1.5 88bhp or 1.8 114bhp petrol engines or a very good 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 110 or 134bhp.
Hatches are available with three or five doors but the four door saloon is perhaps the best looking in the range and the Tino is a great family holdall.
Comfort is good, road holding fair and reliability second to none, with most Nissans capable of very long mileages as long as they are properly serviced. Full history should be normal and prices are reasonable.
Interior
Equipment is generous, with height adjustable driver's seat, alloy wheels on most and remote locking.
Upper models get six-disc autochanger, air-con and alloys, safety is up with the best and there is good legroom front and rear and an excellent driving position.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Almera 2.2 diesel
Price: Pay about £2,500 for an '01 Y-reg 5dr SE, £4,000 for an '03 53-reg dCi SE saloon or £7,500 for an '05 05-reg SVE Tino.
Mechanical: 112bhp, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving the front wheels via a 5/6 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11 secs
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 7
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Ford Focus