1996 Nissan Primera slx saloon 1.6

Summary:

Overated piece of crap

Faults:

Cold starting problems when car stood for more than a couple of hours.

General Comments:

Really looked forward to getting a primera, how wrong was i? what a let down. one of nissans worst.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th March, 2005

18th Mar 2005, 14:18

It's a 9 year old car, there are bound to be some issues with it. Check HT leads + distributor cap!!

13th May 2005, 13:46

I have owned one 1996SLX for 5yrs and have had no bother at all.

The 2lt.

Pulls like a sports car and corners on rails.

A car to be driven and loved.

11th Dec 2008, 23:01

I suggest you go and buy a Renault Laguna II or a Megane II (the one that shakes an ass) then you will know what an overrated piece of crap is!

If this is all you can fault your Primera with, I feel that is not just cause to give the blue face, and is an unfair criticism of what is generally a damn fine car, and yes I do own a Primera thank you, and yes it's had a couple of problems, but I do not slate it for that. Read my review on here - 1999 Primera 2.0 Sport+ CVT Auto, it's the top one in the list. I still like my car despite it having more problems than you experienced.

17th Feb 2009, 17:00

The Primera is one of the best cars ever made, very very reliable, I love them.

1996 Nissan Primera LX 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Does what it is supposed to do

Faults:

Exhaust rear silencer in 2004 it was original!

General Comments:

A good reliable car averaging 40 mpg however a trip to Italy averaged 46 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2004

1996 Nissan Primera eGT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Even by todays standards, this is a lot of car for the money

Faults:

The radiator is in a bad state

Leaks inside when it rains hard, but only while vehicle has been stationary for a couple of hours.

General Comments:

This is my 4th Primera, my 3rd eGT, on the whole I've found the car very enjoyable to drive, however in the wet, the car pushes on when going round corners & roundabouts, if fitted with factory fitted alloy's.

I've found the interior very spacious, & comfortable.

Boot space is very good, & with the the split folding rear seats, it gives it that more extra space when required.

The driving position is good, giving you good all round vision, with all the controls within easy reach & nicely laid out. The pedals are spaced very well, with a very nice feel to them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2004

1996 Nissan Primera SLX 2.0

Summary:

Blocked camshaft spray bars-watch out!!

Faults:

Starter motor failed at 50,000.

Sunroof rattles. This is very annoying.

At 65,000, the engine developed a squeak. I took it to the Nissan dealer and they changed my fan belt and p/s belt.

The squeak was actually a blocked camshaft spray bar causing one of the cam lobes to squeak! I now have unknown engine wear. Thanks to the useless Nissan dealer for NOT recognising this fault (a little local garage sorted the problem for me). The car had been regularly serviced beforehand. These spray bars must be very prone to blockage.

General Comments:

It is quick.

The sports setting on the box gives you extra revving before gear change.

It handles quite well.

Under steers slightly (FF cars do though).

Turning circle is a joke! I find myself doing 5 point turns!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th June, 2003

21st Apr 2004, 05:50

Never heard of this problem. sounds like you've been very unlucky with that car.

True- the turning circle is a joke on the '96 model, but the 2000 model I have now is significantly worse even than that!! around town it has the manoevreability of a train.

13th Sep 2004, 15:19

Hi, I feel an update is due as I am picking up my new Primera Sport Plus VT6A this weekend!

The car has been OK since the cam oil feeder problem. What a shame that had to happen. Everything else has been OK since. One thing that I'll be trading this car in with is a VERY rusty tailgate hinge. It's completely rotted away.

Looking forward to owning the Sport Plus. I'm still a Nissan fan despite the niggles.