1997 Nissan Primera SLX Auto (a/c) from UK and Ireland - Comments

Rear disc brake caliper seized at 70,000 miles (3rd party warranty)

Constant velocity joints 80,000 (3rd party warranty)

Front wheel bearing (3rd party warranty)

Electric mirror (factory warranty)

This car is pretty lively for just a 2.0 with an automatic 'box.

Cabin plastics a bit dreary.

The faults above imply that it's been unreliable. This simply isn't so; it's never let me down; the odd faults have all occured at 'fair' mileages (and I do boot it around a bit!)

Handling and steering are both superb, minimal body roll and stacks of grip make for entertaining driving. I run mine on 195/60's for extra turn in bite.

Engine is a bit lacking torque down the ass-end of things, auto-box exacerbates this as it's geared for 100mph plus cruising. However, will accelerate uphill in top at 100mph (3800rpm)!

Great big hatchback boot swallows tons of stuff.

Air-con is very effective, unlike your Mondeo/Vectra conterparts.

Brakes good, but need a firm prod to get the ABS to react.

I'm still the owner of this particular car!!! And I'm happy to say that in November 2004 it still has original factory exhaust, catalytic converter and battery.

Obviously had normal servicing done; a few tyres, few sets front brake pads, few less of rear ones. New discs fitted recently all round.

UK MOT testing is a breeze for this thing, it's a rubber stamping exercise! Exhaust emissions are still 0.00% CO, with HC about 1000x lower than required.

Still uses no more than about 0.5 litre oil beteween services (same as when new).

Had the air-conditioning put in a deep vac and re-pressurised a few months back, cost about sixty quid - and it freezes you rigid just like when new.

If you want an economical car with all the bits (A/C; Auto; ABS; Alarm) that's very very nice to drive then try one. The steering and handling is disturbingly good, even if you're used to BMW 3 series etc.

Please do not be frightened of miles on these (Primera) things, they're strong. If serviced properly (and that's pretty reasonabkle too) they can approach being indestructible. You don't really need a franchised dealer with these cars, they (the cars, that is) are a curious mix of tried n tested technology with a few surprises chucked in.

The surprises are the handling and reliability. Also, it has sequntial injection which helps economy no-end, maybe helped the exhaust and cat stay alive.

Tried n tested bits, err, well, the cooling system works at atmospheric pressure - it's ventilated. But then, there's not head gasket leaks either.

IT WORKS!!!

Thank and kind regards to all that read this post.

Paul.

If you want to direct a few Q's at me, then Email is;- paul.anderson@tesco.net.