1997 Nissan Primera GT from UK and Ireland - Comments

I am thinkin about gettin a GT for about a grand later on.. So what year would be the best to get?Also what to look out for? would be much appreciated :)

I got a egt and very nice car, practical, not bad on fuel, fast for what it is and reliable, i forgot amazingly well build. i got it for one year and done 11000 miles.I've change a radiator and adjust the chain. i also broke the drive shaft into two pieces. the car has been driven hard most of the time. i noticed something about the top speed, when I first had the car it was doing what the book say around 138mph no problem. but last week I tested it and it didn't go more than 125mph (on track) can any one tell me the problem?the mileage is 113000miles, is it the problem?it still a brilliant car.

I've got a 1998 Nissan Primera 2.0 gt and my power starts at 3700 rpm like a turbo. The engine changes from economy to speed of lighting. I got a 145mph out of mine at 7000rpm no problem. I beat an BMW M3 and 2 Hyundai Coupes. It's got 96k on clock, full service history, and it goes like stink.

I have a standard 93 p10 2.0slx it's been garaged all it's life until last year (near mint) my only addition to the car is a set of Wolf race alloys only 15" as I don't trust my self with a bigger size due to high kerbs.It's an excellent all rounder, comfortable, handles really well, good performance and good looking. I cruised @ top speed for a good half hour @ 127? the book says top speed 115? Any way lately I've had problems with over heating in normal traffic and daily use, the water pump and thermostat has been replaced yet still having problems. Earlier today I noticed on testing the engine that the radiator cap was leaking quite bad so I'll get a new one, but can anyone tell me if that could be a main factor of the problems I'm having.

With reference to an earlier comment I have beaten a mk3 golf gti up a hill, but could not beat a new Micra SE.???

A leaking Radiator Cap will cause water to boil earlier, so yes it may be affecting your engine and causing it to overheat.

Thanks!

(93slx) The new radiator cap is now on and it has improved, but still seems a little loose and not tight fitting like the old one and the expansion tank still bubbles like mad, but at least it is not over heating like before, I still think there is a blockage in the radiator which I will get pressure tested.

The idle speed is a little low on ignition, but soon gets up to about 8+ which is correct, but inconsistent so I changed the spark plugs, but it's still happening so I think I need to check the timing as it could be a little out?

Theories and comments welcome...

I beat 150mph with my GT on Croatian highway... behind the 400HP BMW M5...:o) ) )

Update from original review: I have now sold my GT. Nice a car as it was it just did not deliver the kind of performance it maybe should have done. If you are looking for acceleration this is not the car to go for, instead consider a diesel as they have a superior torque figure. OK, maybe the GT would have a slightly higher top end, but with the obsession the government have with speed enforcement you can't max any car out these days. We all know that torque equals acceleration and bhp equals top end and unfortunately the GT with its low 135lbft of torque makes it slower mid range than a Mercedes Sprinter and a Golf GTI.

I have to agree with your diesel comments, my Transit with the 2 litre "Duratorq" turbo diesel engine kicks ass, it will give any petrol family car a run for it's money pulling away from the lights!

I have a Primera P11 GT.

With regards to diesels being faster. I had a new shape Renault Laguna Turbo Diesel for a week and I would have sworn it was faster than my GT.

I measured the acceleration of the Laguna before I took it back and compared it to the Primera.

The Laguna only reached 60 whereas the Primera got up to 70mph over the same distance.

New diesels seem fast, but the extra gearchages eat into the acceleration badly.

Yeah, diesels don't tend to give very good 0-60 times due to turbo lag, but as soon as that turbo starts spinning you get a really good kick of acceleration. I reckon if you compared 20-60 times you would get some really interesting results.

The gtis all about how you drive it. it can be very fast and also quite slow. a bit of a vtec engine. good car.

I own a 99 GT. I have had it just under a year now, and have done 39,000 miles in it and no problems.

As for being left by anything such as a Mercedes Sprinter Van or a Golf 8v or 16v gti mk3 - that can only be down to a poorly maintained GT. Mine true enough is not completely standard - rolling road tests show 172bhp at the wheels. But to get this power cost me under a 1000.

And even before, I went on 3 track days, just with full suspension kit on, different wheels and cat removed. I could happily overtake a gold GTI mk3 in straight line and round the twisty ones (LOL at the thought of a Sprinter - I have the use of them at work - no chance).

Also mine modified has done over 150mph on a german autobahn. Not sure what I got up to as I ran out of speedo and it stops going round shortly after LOL.

Today has been a very good day for me as I’m the very fortunate owner of a 96 P reg eGT, purchased for just under £1000 (from a 2nd hand dealer who clearly didn’t know what had) – 1 owner/full history (nearly all Nissan) – its pure white and nearly immaculate with just over 64k (small bubbles on rear arches etc. but fixable). To be honest this feels like a new car (it got quicker after the 80mile drive (noticeably!!!) ) …… All good except steering wheel judder at around 80mph – Any ideas??? The tyres are not great, but legal and no excessive wear, don’t think this is the prob – could this be the top strut mount worn? Bit of a Nissan virgin to be honest – any help would be delicious.

I have a Nissan prim-era 96 model. The car though starts very well, it takes a while for the car to move well after it has started. Most often it runs well after the speedometer has reached the 60 kph. Any speed below 60, you find the car not moving at all irrespective of the pressure exerted on the accelerator. Any advice as to how to address this problem will be appreciated. Thanks.