Nissan Primera Saloon 1996-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good spec including ABS, which was not standard on a lot of medium saloons as standard at the time.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    My car has been extremely cheap to run in terms of servicing and has good economy, but has suffered savage depreciation in line with other medium saloons.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent handling, roadholding, brakes and gearbox deserves praise. The whole package is smooth and equal in feel making the car feel reassuring in motion.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    1.6 lacks midrange torque, but is very flexible and is more than adequate for this type of vehicle.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Absolute reliability. Cannot be faulted and continues to be so, even after 80,000 miles.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Car has reasonable image, but looks let it down, although decent alloys and good colours remedy this. This counts for a lot and has reduced sales, but this is all it has against it.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Good sports seats in Si form. Very supportive ride is firm but controlled. Car feels restless on motorway. 12% stiffer rear end contributes to this. Not the most comfortable in its class.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    About average with an immobiliser. Have had no problems on this front.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Dealer was efficient, but overly expensive.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Sticky AAC valve, otherwise none.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes