Nissan Primera Hatchback (1999 - 2002) 1.8 16V Sport 5d (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I've given-up? That I'm a minicab driver? That I want to save my pennies rather than being popular in the office car park?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

That I got a bargain. Family reckon it is the most comfortable car I've ever had. Has a sort of cetain cheesy chic...

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, absolutley although probably with the 2.0 engine. I bought it as a stop-gap car but it has grown on me and done nothing wrong so it's hard to justify replacing it. It's a shame though the interior is so hideous and is best appretiated at night...

What are you likely to buy next?

Assuredly something under £2k again, probably a cheesy and unfashionable Japanese or Korean barge. Or a £500 Cinquecento, or maybe both!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,200

When did you buy the car?

October 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

I reckon I paid over the odds a little; if I hadn't been in such a hurry to buy I would probably have had the knowledge to haggle a better deal, but needs must...

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a cheap car in a hurry for a new job so I bought purely on reputation and locality.

What was the dealer like?

Private sale, no problems.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.8 is weedy when wrung but it is surprisingly flexible at lower revs. It'll happily potter along in 5th at 30mph and thanks to the level cornering and high grip I find myself preserving momentum and staying in 5th when crossing wider roundabouts. Generally low gear ratios also ensure decent engine braking from cruising. Relaxed cruiser on the motorway even if there is a bit of tyre noise. Steering is light and contrary to some reviews I've read it does provide useful feedback (apparent on recent snow and ice). However, the rack is slow and requires big inputs when shown A-road bends. Feels much more nimble than more modern heavier equivalents.

What's it like to park?

Difficult to judge both front and rear. Not a huge car by today's standards and fits easily width-wise in most spaces, and doors are mercifully short. Standard fit Bridgestone do protect the alloys. Visibilty is good but steering lock not terrific.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not yet! Having read in more depth since buying I realise now it has the well-known ABS ring problem. One brake caliper also occassionally dragged a little (new pads and a clean at service sorted that), but neither really bother me.

What's most practical about your car?

Big boot and capacious rear seats. Fuel economy around town isn't too hot but on the motorway it's typically averaging 38mpg in the winter, rising to a heady 44mpg in the summer. Bizarrely, it seems more economical at 70-80mph rather than 60-70mph cruises (to do with the N-VCT?).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Nothing stands-out as exceptional. Trip computer is handy but over-reads mpg by about 3%. Conversely, it becomes hysterically pessimistic once the orange light comes on; watch that range tumble!