1996 Nissan Primera SRi review from UK and Ireland
"Generally excellent, who cares about the looks!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Windscreen slowly de-laminating in top corner of drivers side due to hidden corrosion. Properly restoring metal when the windscreen cracks will be expensive.
Leak in boot due to rear spoiler's fixing-adhesive denaturing. Now fixed.
Rear nearside passenger kicker-strip retainers broken.
Various minor repairs - CV boots, Silencer.
General comments?
Note : This car is P10 model (older style - older interior, less rear legroom, no multi-link suspension, and looks like a horses @r$e)
Don't let the SRi badge and ridiculous spoilers fool you, it's only got average family-car performance, the 1.6 must be -very- underpowered, however...
It's a fantastic mile-eater, especially around twisting roads and hilly country. It handles well and gives you good feedback and confidence. Quite enjoyable to drive in fact.
The bucket seats are perfect and have good adjustment. The driving position is only bettered by the Passat. Anyone over 6' will find the headroom insufficient though.
V.Good build quality for '96, especially interior, plastic on dashboard is higher quality than later models!
Good gearing for motorway - It hums rather than screams.
Excellent value for money.
100% reliability.
Despite good build quality, I would prefer them to have used thicker grades of steel for the body panels. Don't go hitting any SAAB's.
The boot is enormous, even in my saloon version, luggage straps would have been nice though.
Turning circle is poor.
Stereo system is good, with excellent high-level (pillar mounted) tweeters, although bass is a bit weak.
I'm very fussy about my driving experiences and I'm quite happy to do another 100k in this one.
Search for New and Used Nissan Primeras available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | Old fellows car |
![]() ![]() | 1996 - Primera Equation 1.6 twin cam 16v Fantastic family car, with a boot to match! |
All 1996 Nissan Primera reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Fiat Tipo |
| Date of Entry | 10th August, 2002 |

