1993 Nissan Primera "Inspiration" LX Spec Ed 1.6

Summary:

Not as good as the Bluebird it replaces

Faults:

Gearbox, bearings failed.

Carburettor, internal fault.

Rust, extensive.

Front tyre wear heavy, tracking?

General Comments:

I was expecting a car as good as my old Bluebird, I was disappointed however, the Primera started rusting quite quickly and soon became a worry for the MOT. The gearbox, although fine initially started to make noises until eventually grinding to a complete halt soon after.

The Bluebird always felt really solid and strong, but the Primera felt as well put together as a Ford quite frankly, not too good!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th June, 2005

6th Jul 2006, 16:26

There's no way the carburettor had an internal fault. This year of Primera had fuel injection.

11th Dec 2008, 22:06

I would have to agree with the point about rusting, My 1999 Primera 2.0 Sport+ is showing signs of the dreaded rust now at 9 years old. It has started above both front wheel arches and also seems to be starting on the front suspension turrets inside the engine compartment. Also, on the latest MOT this month the tester pointed out moderate corrosion on the inner sills towards the rear of the car, and rust actually into holes around the sunroof drain hose outlets in the rear arches. I have also noticed rust breaking aout around the bootlid rubber seal under the back window (Saloon 4 door car). This rust is all treatable and not at the welding required stage yet, but left untreated I could see the car failing the MOT in the next couple of years requiring welding on the inner sills.

Also I had a 1997 Micra which rusted so badly underneath I had to scrap it this year at 11 years old as it required too much welding.

Nissans are reliable yes, but corrosion proof they are not - you MUST check the underside of your Nissan regularly and preferably treat it with Waxoyl undersealer. After all, in Japan, cars are only designed to last 7 years and in this country we keep our cars up to twice that age, so really, from 7 years on, it will always be an uphill battle against rust on a Nissan car, but they are worth it though.

1993 Nissan Primera SLX 1.6 petrol

Summary:

An under-rated and excellent buy

Faults:

There is a switch inside the car that can shut off the central locking that appears to have stuck, but I can live with that.

Apart from that, nothing at all. It's absolutely great.

General Comments:

Some may find the 1.6 engine a little gutless on a big car like the Primera, but it's fine for me: I'm into reliability, not speed.

Acceleration is slower than that of the Peugeot 405 turbo diesel estate, but they cruise at 70 equally well, and the fuel economy is surprisingly similar!

Nothing ever seems to goes wrong on a Nissan; this is my fourth and I'll never stray again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2004

1993 Nissan Primera eGT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Sporty family car

Faults:

Knocking anti-roll bar.

Broken drive shaft (didn't see the big pot hole).

Faulty CV joint on the new drive shaft.

Rust beginning to show around the rear spoiler.

Engine has just developed an oil leak, but don't know where from yet.

General Comments:

This is a good all round car, whether you want a family car or a sporty run-around. I've made a few modifications to the car, the usual things - air filter, exhaust, lowering springs - but there are very few after-market parts available for this car - the exhaust was a custom job. The boot is huge, I've taken myself a four others the length of the country with lots of luggage without any space problems, I even fitted a two seater sofa in the back with the rear seats folded down. The boot is now filled with amps and subs with just enough space left for a nitrous bottle!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2004