I bought a Mk1 99 V in 2002 , it was the most reliable car I have owned but it was ex-motability so inevitably its clutch went quite early at around 30k miles. Repair cost was �100 at a clutch specialists.
Spec levels were not bad - remote central locks, electric windows, air con, velour seats, power stering, ABS, airbags etc Quite surprisingly its handling was excellent & the 1.4 16v engine very lively & economical.
Sold it to my dad 2 years later & he punishes his cars but the Almera has so far taken this very well indeed. Its now 7 years old and on 80k miles still the only work needed was the clutch in 2003.
If you need a reasonably cheap & reliable hatchback its not a bad choice at all & certainly better than the daewoos etc you would be looking at if you wanted cars of similar age spec and price