1998 Nissan Primera GX review from UK and Ireland

Nothing major yet.

Rear hatch needs a hard slam to get it shut, probably just the catch needing adjustment.

Slight movement in the driver's seat base when braking hard - disconcerting, but should be easy to fix.

Some of the black trim tape on the rear vertical edge of the driver's door/window has lifted and rippled slightly - needs fixing to stop water getting underneath.

The two litre engine feels very un-stressed; this is one of the best motorway cruisers I have owned. The car is deceptively quick once the revs get above 3000 rpm - typical of a 16V engine I guess.

Handling is excellent, with the ride on the right side of firm.

Fuel consumption is very good for the size of engine and the weight of the car - I'm consistently getting high 30's mpg.

The interior design is a bit bland, although all the controls are clearly laid out, and the choice of colour for the plastic in mine is an acquired taste - sort of bluey/greeny/grey; OK, it co-ordinates with the metallic green bodywork, but black would have been much more understated. The plastics don't seem to be of a particularly good quality, and some bits (the trim around the handbrake) wobble when touched.

The equipment level is pretty good (I believe the GX trim level is bottom of the range for the 2.0 engine? I could be wrong), although electric mirrors should be standard. Air con, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking etc. The previous owner had spec'd some lovely Nissan alloys, too, which I've never seen on another Primera. As someone else has mentioned, I was surprised that the air con needed charging after 30000 miles.

The seats adjustments are awkward to use, but do allow for an excellent driving position once you've got them right.

Things I don't like: the vast turning circle! I'm surprised only a couple of other people have commented on this -it is AWFUL! I'm used to driving a Suzuki Baleno (stop laughing at the back), which has the smallest turning circle in its class, but even so, doing 6 point turns is irritating.

Overall - great Q-car.