1997 Nissan Primera Precision review from UK and Ireland

Apart from consumables like tyres, bulbs and brakes, the only thing that needed fixing between service intervals was a spring on the gearbox manifold that came off during an emergency stop. The cost of repair was a mere £10.

CV gaiters were wearing out by the time I sold the car, but as it had 106,000 miles on it by then, I can't complain!

I did 64,000 miles in this car over three years, and it was always a pleasure to drive. It never went wrong, started first time every time even in the depths of winter, and the economy never dropped below about 42mpg.

Performance was good for a 1.6-litre engine. The power was there if I needed to overtake quickly, and it cruised effortlessly on the motorway.

The service at the dealer was always good. A free courtesy car was available (unlike some other marques who charge you to insure it), and the work done was always right first time.

The only complaint I can think of about the car is that it was a bit prone to wheelspin on quick acceleration from standstill, even with expensive tyres and not revving it hard.

It's a pity that Primeras, especially ones of this age, have such an image problem because I feel that the car is seriously underrated. The only reason why I didn't buy another one is because Nissan don't do the spec of car I want at the price I want (leather trim, all the bells and whistles), but if the Honda Civic I have now is half as good I'll still be pleased.