1995 Nissan Primera LX review from UK and Ireland

Heater blower resistor was blown; if you find it only works on 4 or off then replace it, bought one from scrapyard from a Sunny for a fiver (common problem).

Radiator had no fins at all, though it never ran hot; scrappies for a tenner.

Alternator packed in (common fault).

Front passenger side suspension squeaks and bangs from time to time; suspect dry or loose bush, but there's no excessive play.

Has a habit of blowing brake light bulbs.

The engine is acceptable, and its performance, it's not as lively and responsive as a Vauxhall, but outshines your average Ford. Low down the engine pulls fairly nicely, but it doesn't really kick in till she passes 3500rpm, then she comes alive pulling strongly till 6-6500rpm. The engine sounds rattly and metallic, but that's due to the timing chain.

For a Nissan the handling is outstanding, the power steering doesn't feel loose and disconnected like most of them, it's positive, weighty and gives excellent feedback. The chassis is lively, flickable, holds the road yet handles with great control while still being comfortable - I've recently lowered it 40mm and it's even better, though I'm still on 175/70/14 steels.

The interiors nice, inoffensive, a bit grey and plastic, but functional and well laid out. I've put sports seats in and various other mods.

It's has a nice, clean, stylish look to it, yet anonymous too. Mine's lowered, eGT boot spoiler, sideskirts, body coloured bumpers, looks aggressive now.

Some parts are hard to get, only available from Nissan, which is a pain, while spares are available everywhere. It's easy to work on, well put together, and running costs are fairly low.