2002 Nissan Primera S 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Old Primera was better

Faults:

Exhaust, suspension, clutch, brakes, all needed replaced.

Interior had serious wear, but it was family used for a long time.

Rear windows stuck.

Exterior was in surprisingly good shape even when I got rid of it, but I did keep it clean and garaged. The car also got serviced on time. Engine was a little smokey as the miles rose and burned some oil.

General Comments:

P12 Primera (2002 - 2006) was not a patch on the older Primera from the 1990's (P10/P11). Obviously this one is more technologically advanced, but I just didn't like the odd looks of this car.

Mine was grey. Everything about it was grey - on the inside and out. Such a dull car. And this was the "S" model, very basic. Wind up windows in rear and wheel trims.

Stupid idea to put the speedometer in the centre of the dash, I never got used to it.

It drove OK, but the 1.8 petrol was slow and only just about economical, doing about 37 mpg. I suppose it is better than the famously unreliable diesel dCi engines from Renault which I believe is when Nissan started using them around about this time.

Overall it wasn't a bad car, just boring and not as fun or as sharp to drive as the older model. Good points? Well to be fair it was reliable enough and I had it 8 years and put serious miles on it. Scrapped it a couple of years ago, not a car I will miss.

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

Review Date: 17th December, 2022

11th Jan 2023, 16:24

I think the P12 Primera actually ran till 2008, not 2006. Anyways, it was an oddball car, as a lot were in the early 2000's. I think a lot of manufacturers at that time concentrated on futuristic looks a bit too much.

2002 Nissan Primera S Estate 1.8

Summary:

Efficient reliable workhorse that needs using. It's nothing to get excited about though

Faults:

Drivers door electronic window sticking/working intermittently.

General Comments:

As a person who usually buys utility vehicles, i.e. 4x4s or van-derived MPVs I was attracted to the idea of a Primera P12 Estate car as there is no cambelt to worry about as long as frequent oil changes made (it's chain driven), I liked the oddball styling of the Estate, although don't know if I could live with the rear end styling of the 5-door. I still have a very old 4x4 with hi-lo box, so I've never tested the Primera in snow or ice.

I needed a car that had multi-airbags and a good NCAP rating, that could handle the third lane of the motorway and mix-it with the fast boys (which my Berlingo Multispace could not). In other words, an efficient modern car.

The Primera satisfies these requirements. I was a little apprehensive about Renault interference and what nightmares in the electronics department may ensue. Other than the drivers door window nothing else (yet!).

The centre console is easy enough to operate, although I prefer more traditional heater slide controls etc. Gearbox is slick and smooth. Clutch operates very well indeed. ABS brakes are outstanding. Steering OK, if a bit vague. Appreciate the steering wheel adjustments available.

1.8 engine is OK, but needs thrashing when overtaking.

Ride and comfort excellent. General cabin environment very pleasant. Air conditioning excellent. It is however the first car I've had for years that the inside of the windscreen mists up overnight so much it's quicker to leather it than use the heating. Back windows also take a long time to clear.

I like the dials being central and a distance away (compared to conventional designs).

The fuel consumption is NOT however as advertised, and on my use I find I'm getting 28 - 32 mpg on average, so nothing brilliant here.

Other points: I like the left hand petrol filler; like the stowage boxes in the boot of the Estate; like the fact it has a full size spare and not a spacesaver; and finally like it being reasonably easy to work on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2010

3rd Dec 2010, 14:12

OK, same owner. I believe in coming back and telling how things are going.

Yes, very satisfied with the car. Only problem being is that the driver's electric window went altogether. It's not an easy job to undertake, so I have had it timbered up tight all year. This is not an issue of any importance to me however, and the aircon works fine in Summer. Have covered quite a lot of miles with journeys between England and Wales, and it never misses a beat. Exhaust shields started vibrating quite a lot, but I've adjusted that. Practically no wear on the brake pads, ABS still amazingly sharp, engine runs sweet on Carlube oil (I'm a miser!), tyre wear on those big wheel negligible (they are nearly as big and heavy to handle as my 4x4 wheels!).

I don't spend a lot on cars and this will certainly do for a few years yet. Yeah, dead pleased (comparing to what a nightmare my son's 2005 Vectra has been for expense during the same period.)