1998 Nissan Primera GT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Cheap, fast-ish, reliable

Faults:

Rear O/S caliper seized.

N/S front electric window intermittent fault.

Original tape head unit display intermittent fault (yup, so few issues I had to include this!)

General Comments:

Much underestimated due to slightly bland looks.

If you can get over the fact that this isn't the best looking large hatch on the market, I don't think you could do much better for the money.

Very good build quality, great handling, good performance, smooth engine, never missed a mechanical beat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2010

4th Aug 2022, 14:49

These were excellent cars. Nissan needs to look at the 1990's Primera and re-learn how to make cars. Friend had a 95' 2.0 GT - was bland looking (looked like any other Primera on the road, could be mistaken at distance for the 1.6 S model) but it was fast and reliable (lasted 18 years) and that is all that matters.

1998 Nissan Primera SLX 2.0

Summary:

Would definitely buy another Nissan

Faults:

Nothing, except the radio display, fuel warning light, and normal wear and tear items such as tyres and light bulbs.

General Comments:

I bought this car back in May 2008, with 124,000 miles. It now has 132,000 miles on the clock (Jan 09).

I was a bit nervous about buying a high mileage car, but it drove well and had very fluid steering. I have driven a 2008 Astra with worse steering than this.

I needed a cheap larger automatic for under a grand. Looking through adverts, I actually bought this as a rush purchase. I accidentally saw the advert for this car (I wouldn't looked at a Nissan, would normally have looked at your normal Mondeos and Vectras).

This car is seriously under rated as a car; they just don't break. Most reliable car I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

The car seems to run better higher up in the gears. This is because it hasn't really been driven at motorway speeds for six years. When floored they pick up well, and the kickdown is really effective. But seriously, why did Nissan not sell more of these things? They are more solid than the Vectra and Mondeo. I will keep this car for years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2009

27th Jan 2009, 04:15

This review is not exaggerated. I've had my 1998 SLX auto hatchback since 1999. It has now done just over 100,000. It has needed nothing other than routine repairs: tyres, exhaust etc. It sailed clear through its first five MOT's. It is still performing and driving as well as ever. It is the best car I have ever had. I have been driving since 1964.

JH. Dumfries.

15th May 2009, 10:59

I bought a new 2.0 SE hatchback Primera in Jan 1999. Still driving it and no repairs except for a new clutch. Still delighted with the car and see no reason to change.

9th Aug 2010, 18:45

I bought Nissan Primera 1.6 1998 in 2008 with 92,000 miles.

Zero problems, apart from normal tyres, exhaust plus one two services.

Just bought 1998 Nissan Primera SLX Auto, 92,000 miles and all specs... This car is just as good as the first Primera, but a whole lot better too because of the specs. But, what amazing cars. The last manual Primera I considered the best car I have ever had. Now, of course, I am shocked by the easy comfortable, perfect car that I have purchased for £990. The last Primera taken in part exchange for £500!!!

The front bearings were beginning to rattle, and 39,000 miles in two years, plus tiny bit of clutch beginning to slip and engaging right at top of pedal release. So, time to change! But hey, this second Primera 2.0i Auto SLX is absolutely amazing!! What an incredibly luxurious drive, and reliability! Why was this car not feted hugely???!!! I love 'em!!

Why do people throw their money away so easily on all the new cars??? (Good thing they do, though, economy wise! Good luck to them!) I prefer to spend any spare on seeing the world etc.... we are not around that long! Cheers D.