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.
I also have a precision, hasn't let me down since I had it. if you want power and style, go for the GT SE or LE versions. full or half leather interior. 300 were made in flip paint, which has the full extras!
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