Nissan Primera Hatchback (2002 - 2006) 1.8i Flare 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a great deal, its just 'a car', and thats the way I like my cars. They are not a fashion accessory or status symbol to me.

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

It looks smart, but dull.

Would you buy this car again and why?

NEVER. The electricals are always going wrong (just like in many Renaults from where they come from), the engine is unreliable, and although the body work is very rust resistant the underside is the complete opposite, with signs of significant rust underneath at just 52k miles.

What are you likely to buy next?

Any make other than a Nissan or a Renault.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

The Dealer saw me coming and I paid way too much.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I thought it was Japanese, but it is not. It was made in the UK and uses Renault electrics (Renault took over Nissan). Not a good combination.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly until he had my money then did not want to know.

What's it like to drive?

Very good handling and easy to drive, however the 1.8 petrol engine is seriously underpowered by modern standards. A stated 112BHP from a big 1.8litre 16v engine is poor, and it feels like it at the lights. On the motirway though it is very economical.

What's it like to park?

The steering lock is very poor, so most spots require reversing into. Perhaps thats why they all have reversing cameras as standard.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I found out to my great cost that ALL Nissan 1.8 engines have 2 serious weak spots. One is the timing chain which can stretch from as little as 50k miles, and second, piston ring failure leading to very heavy oil consumption. My car had both these problems.

What's most practical about your car?

Very good sized boot for what is really a Ford Focus sized car, not the Mondeo competitor Nissan sold it as.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Reversing camera.