User Reviews

2.0 TD Equation

Alan England

Overall Rating

I purchased this car used in November 2004 and within hours of driving it away from the forecourt it developed a habit of cutting out/stalling at low revs. The car repeatedly went back to the garage under the 3-month warranty agreement, but the fault was never solved. I have had to adapt my driving style(where possible I declutch prior to applying the brakes, which allows the revs to drop to idle) to minimise the problem - which occurs now on average once a week. This isn't ideal but compared to the occurences in the early days this is bearable. Fuel consumption isn't great for a five-year-old modern diesel. Even following a major service, fuel consumption is still only 42mpg. The positives are its reliability and its roominess. With the rear seats folded down there is a good-sized area for those occasional journeys to the tip to dispose of broken washing machines, wheelbarrows, mattresses etc... With regards to reliability, it starts first time every time, and even when the engine does occasionally cut out it restarts again with no problems. Overall I do like the Primera. It's basic, reliable and a good workhorse. With improved fuel consumption and no niggly 'cutting out' issues I would rate this car as excellent.

2.0i SLX 5dr hatchback

Dave Gillett

Overall Rating

Quite simply the most reliable car I have yet owned. I had it for just over two years and apart from the usual costs spent just 40p on the car replacing a reversing light bulb. In addition to its reliablility, it's quick, pretty good on fuel, easy to drive, spacious inside and has a very good boot only beaten by the Octavia. Bad points: despite being a "family" car, insurance is very high; poor stereo; it's ugly; and knee space in the driver's footwell is cramped thanks to the poorly laid out window control panel. Although it's a big car I have far more space in my newer car, a much smaller Mazda 323. I had a 99T, but if you're going for one, go for the more attractive but equally reliable model from 2000 onwards.

2.0 SLX 5dr (Air Con)

Davy Docherty

Overall Rating

1997 R-reg, owned for over 4 years from 45,000 miles to almost 90,000 miles. Overall it has been a great car, with no faults, only usual wear and tear items. Reliable and durable.

20 td gx

john crawford

Overall Rating

I bought mine 2 years ago, so far ive olny had both front bearings go. Needed 2 front pads for last mot, ive got little tapit proberlm, a flush should clear it. ive talked to a taxi driver that had 2, both had 2 cluches!!! 1 had 420,000 on clock, and other 450.000 he told me drop oil and change fuel, oil filter every 6000. Can anyone answer this for me, what is the towing weight? mail me at johnbig21@aol.com thank you

2.0 TD GX Hatchback

Phil Insley

Overall Rating

I have had a late 98 2.0 TD GX hatchback for 6 years. 9000 miles when I bought it, it has now done 88000 miles and has had three faults. On rare occasions the engine stops when the clutch is depressed while braking at low engine revs i.e. when stopping at traffic lights or junctions. The dealer cannot reproduce the fault so has not been able to fix it. The small spring that holds the gear lever in the central position broke at 3 years. It is outside the car under the linkage. It cost me £4 to buy and 30 minutes to fit including jacking the car. The dealer had it in stock. The only other fault was a poor connection in the offside rear light cluster that prevented the fog light working. I took it off and soldered it - no problem. It's a big car inside; boot space and rear legroom are better than my mate's new Passat. Ride and handling are great for an oil burner. I agree with other reviews about this diesel's performance, i.e. slow to accelerate below 2000 rpm, and even above that it does not compare with modern direct injection, common rail types - but hey, there is much less technology to go wrong! I have had other diesels and although they performed better the smoke produced was visible when pushed hard. No matter how hard I try with the Nissan it never shows diesel smoke to other motorists. Without going into technical details I am convinced that this fuel system is specifically set up to give very low emissions at the cost of performance. I can live with that. Fuel consumption when new was 45 mpg, now 48 to 51mpg. Air conditioning is faultless and has manual control, which I prefer. When turned to max on a hot day it is so cold it produces mist from the exit vents. I tow a caravan with it and I find the acceleration below 2000 rpm hardly any different, with or without the van on the back. The van is right on the max weight for the car (85%) at 1.1 tonnes, it handles very well and performance is acceptable but you have to use the gears and keep the revs above 2500 to maintain 60 mph. Gear ratios are not well suited to towing. Third is too high and there is a huge gap between second and third. First is also high and when starting on steep hills you can smell the clutch! No point in using fifth. Brakes are great, ABS brilliant. Steering weighted just right. Seats are firm, I prefer a softer French style, however I worked 300 miles away from home for 18 months so was driving for six hours each way on a weekend and no pains. Cost of ownership is very low if you can do the simple servicing yourself, which I do. It is easier to service than petrol versions. Fuel and oil filters and oil have to be replaced every 5000 miles and air filter changed annually, average cost £35 from local motor factors including semi synthetic oil. Average cost for a dealer to do the same is £145. Cambelt, power steering and generator belts replaced by local garage at 65000 miles, cost £115. Dull looking? It grows on you, particularly after 75000 faultless miles. I was all for changing it next year for a new one but after reading the reviews I will stay with the devil I know until something big fails. A local Primera taxi has just passed 300,000 miles so it may be some time yet!

1997 2.0 GX Hatchback

Propnut

Overall Rating

I have owned this car since 2001 and am its 3rd owners. I bought it with 39,000 on the clock and it now has 102,000. In the last 7 years all I have had to do in the way of part changes is the front shock absorbers and the starter motor. This car has been superbly reliable and for a 2.0L is very economical but not the quickest off the line. I am a mechanic and service the car regularly every 6000miles even though the suggested intervals are 15,000. Maybe its reliability has been down to this level of servicing but I can truly and honestly suggest this car to anyone needing a large family hatchback.