Chery J5 vs Nissan Almera
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Nissan Almera wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 52%, worth about R 117 572 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| J5 | Almera | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 139 900 | R 291 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 2 445/m | R 5 102/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 72% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 52% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 72 056 | R 189 627 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 67 844 | R 102 273 |
| Value after 5 years | R 52 106 | R 148 353 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Mainstream |
Chery J5 →
One of the three models at Chery's 2008 South African launch, a 2.0-litre saloon priced from R139,900. Few were sold and fewer survive, which makes spares a mission. It is a curiosity on the used market rather than a sensible buy.
Known for: cheap 2.0 sedan, rare survivor
Nissan Almera →
Two separate Almeras sold here: the N16 sedan from 2001, and the Indian-built budget sedan that ran from August 2013 until imports ended in 2023. The later car found a niche with e-hailing operators thanks to its big boot and low running costs. It was one of the last sub-R300k sedans on the SA market.
Known for: no-frills sedan favoured by e-hailing drivers
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery J5 or the Nissan Almera?
The Nissan Almera. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 52% for the Chery J5, a gap of 13 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery J5 loses about R 67 844 over three years and the Nissan Almera loses about R 102 273. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Chery J5 runs about R 2 445 per month and the Nissan Almera about R 5 102, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.