2004 Nissan Primera SX 2.2 dCi turbo diesel

Summary:

Old man's sensible car

Faults:

The central display has just started turning itself off at 102000 miles.

ABS light came on at 102000 miles.

During its last service, it developed an electrical fault and failed to start. This was linked to the ABS sensor (?). Now that this has been replaced, the car is working again.

Various bulbs, usually brake light bulbs, have blown and have needed replacing, usually during services.

General Comments:

The car is fairly comfortable. We've been to Germany twice in it, and I haven't had a problem driving it and getting out at the other end with only one or two 'comfort breaks'.

Equipment is fairly standard, six disc CD player that can be upgraded to a built in sat nav. It comes prewired for a telephone. I've installed a bluetooth kit, and this has enabled me to put my iPod through the existing speakers - nothing too difficult. Climate control increases the comfort level somewhat. Road noise isn't too bad for a diesel; obviously it would be quieter with a petrol car.

I'm currently doing 41.2mpg, which isn't the best when you compare it to other cars of this size, and with the price of fuel ever increasing, I would probably be looking at something cheaper to run next time.

The best thing about this has got to be the rear view camera. I learned to drive before parallel parking was part of the driving test, and this easily adds another meter to the space that I have to park in. The camera is sited above the rear number plate, and points straight down, giving you a view of the rear bumper and a little space behind. This would make it an ideal towing car.

All I need now is a camera on the front so that I can swing into tight spaces without fear of hitting the front.

My elderly in-laws struggle sometimes to get in and out of the back, because although the doors are quite large (sometimes a disadvantage in today's supermarket car parks - why can't we park on the diagonal like the Americans), the rear wheel arches can get in the way.

This car doesn't seem to burn any oil. I've driven roughly 60000 miles for work and pleasure, and have never put any oil into the car. Granted, it gets regular servicing, but the only thing I have had to fill is the water and the fuel.

Servicing costs are quite high. There are three services, M1, M2 and M3. I've just had the middle service, and this cost me just under £400.

To summarise, it's a good workhorse that won't turn heads, but will still get you from A to B.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2011

2004 Nissan Primera 2.2 diesel

Summary:

Do not purchase one

Faults:

Sound system changes channels around bends, the volume goes up and down, and it switches from radio to CD by itself.

Integrated Nissan phone system never worked right; calls get cut off around bends and over bumps.

Sent the car to the Nissan dealer I purchased from, they did not fix it. Sent to another Nissan dealer and they did not fix it, after having the car for a week.

Fuel pump failed at 114,000km, and it is 9 working days and still not repaired.

General Comments:

Car is quick, and the reversing colour camera is good.

Comfortable inside. But the electronics and car in general are unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th November, 2007

2004 Nissan Primera SE 2.2 dCi

Summary:

A good car - really

Faults:

Nothing at all has gone wrong with the car. It has however been recalled for an issue with the ECU and turbo.

General Comments:

Very good. Not the drivers car the old P10 and P11 was, but very comfortable and pulls very well. At its best as a motorway car where the car is quiet, stable and very comfortable.

Loaded with standard toys which is great. Built well, roomy and practical. The dash and controls are unusual at first, but within 5 minutes becomes second nature. A brilliant piece of design.

My only real gripe with the car concerns the fuel economy which in diesel terms is not that great - particularly round town although on a run it's perfectly fine. Other minor annoyance is simply the sound from the doors when you close 'em - just a bit clangy for my liking.

Put it this way - no way will anyone convince me that there is £6000 of a difference in list price between this and my wifes A4 TDi. Primera is comfier, quieter, roomier, quicker, handles as well and every bit as well built even if the materials aren't ultimately as good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2005

13th Dec 2006, 15:49

Update to the above review. Now at 36000 miles and the car is at the stealership - again - this time having blown up its engine. It has already had various new sensors, new turbo and a new fuel rail. It now awaits a new engine... Thankfully under warranty so being fastidious about maintenance pays dividends (on that subject full marks for promptness of dealing with the warranty claim to Arnold Clark in Dumbarton - not often I can say that!!!) Also there was a clonking noise starting to appear from the front suspension as well as various other minor niggles which are magnified by my growing dissatisfaction. Yes when it runs I still stand by what I said about the car back in 2005. However I now feel the caveats involved are just not worth it. After 8 Nissan vehicles this will be my last. Thank you Renault for totally screwing up a great product. Hell mend you...

11th Feb 2008, 13:04

I find your comments very helpfull. I am considering a 03- 1.8 AUTO Primera for 5000euros. BUT, 144k and ex-taxi. I'l get it fully checked out of course, but the shape and feel is emotive and I am waivering over and back.

-Cheers.

2004 Nissan Primera SVE 2.0

Summary:

A very strong car!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

When I ordered the car I had no idea as what it looked like. When I took delivery I was disappointed with quality of the plastic in the dash. But after couple of drives I kind of settled with the fact overall performance and ride overturn this minor cosmetic ugliness!!

Indeed it's worth every penny paid for it. It is an ideal car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2005